This blog post is an updated response to Ask an autism researcher questions from 2019.
Is there a link between perinatal rubella and autism?
Rubella is typically a mild systemic viral infection, but if contracted early in pregnancy, it can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) which can result in a wide range of birth defects including hearing loss, heart defects, vision problems, and developmental delays.
The potential link between perinatal rubella infection and autism has been a subject of research since the rubella epidemic of the 1960s where a higher prevalence of autism was observed among children with CRS. A recent study compared pregnant women who were rubella immune to those who were not rubella immune during pregnancy. They followed up with them when their children were 8-9 years old. They found no statistical difference between the groups in the prevalence of autism.
Vaccination against rubella
The introduction of the rubella vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome, and consequently, any potential link to autism that may have existed due to perinatal rubella exposure. As a result, the overall prevalence of autism related to rubella infection has diminished. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states:
Australia was declared free of rubella in 2018, which means that there is no ongoing local transmission of rubella within the population (although the infection can still be brought in from overseas and can spread to unvaccinated people), and a system is in place to detect cases. Although congenital rubella infection is now rare in Australia, vaccination is still important because rubella infections still occur in Australia and most other countries. Unvaccinated pregnant women can still be exposed to rubella, especially when travelling. Testing for rubella immunity before pregnancy, and vaccinating if needed, is important for protecting women and their unborn children against rubella.
In 2017, 93% of Australian 2 year olds were fully vaccinated against rubella; however, vaccination rates vary by where a child lives.
Can the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine cause Autism?
In short, no.
One of the most significant vaccine safety controversies started with an investigation into the potential role of the MMR vaccines in the development of autism.
This study was retracted in 2011 due to clear evidence of falsification of data.
Below is a great info-graphic illustrating the issues and the harmful aftereffects of Dr Andrew Wakefield’s work. https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net/autism-vaccines/https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net/autism-vaccines/
Despite substantial evidence supporting its safety, some parents remain reluctant to vaccinate their children with the MMR vaccine. This decline in MMR vaccination uptake has contributed to outbreaks and the resurgence of measles.
Further reading:
- The MMR vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud
- Wakefield’s article linking MMR vaccine and autism was fraudulent
- The MMR Vaccine and Autism
This blog post is an amalgamation of two previous posts on the topic of vaccines. Thank you to Dr Elfriede Ihsen for authoring the originals.
