WHO rules out aluminium adjuvant-inclusive vaccine-autism link

Image for reference only

A recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) global expert committee found no evidence that vaccines cause autism spectrum disorders. This supports the WHO’s long-standing view that childhood immunisation is not responsible for causing autism.

Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain

The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, an autonomous body set up in 1999 to advise WHO on vaccine safety, has shared through its latest review, post a discussion at a meeting on November 27, 2025, that the experts looked at the link between vaccines and autism using the most up-to-date and reliable evidence.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) earlier voiced a similar negating the link ethos, clarifying that aluminium in vaccines boosts immune responses but has never shown clear evidence of causing autism or serious health issues. “Aluminium salts are found naturally in soil, water, and food. The amount in vaccines is minuscule and safe,” the AAP wrote in its October 2025 fact-check statement.

The WHO committee declared that it focused on two main topics — vaccines containing thiomersal and vaccines in general, both in relation to autism spectrum disorders. The review used evidence from 31 research studies published between January 2010 and August 2025, with data from several countries. The committee said the results strongly support the safety of vaccines given during childhood and pregnancy, and confirm there is no link to autism.

The delegation also looked at possible health risks from vaccines that contain aluminium adjuvants. They based their assessment on studies from 1999 to March 2023, and a large study of children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2018. The committee said all the best available evidence shows no link between the small amounts of aluminium in some vaccines and autism spectrum disorders, supporting the continued use of these vaccines.

Don't miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform