The next vaccine-autism question: Are school-aged youth with autism spectrum disorder undervaccinated and, if so, why?

Paediatrics & Child Health
Jillian H FilliterLeslie Anne Campbell

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the words 'autism' and 'vaccination' have often been linked and mired in controversy. In this commentary, we raise a different question about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and vaccines: Are school-aged youth with ASD undervaccinated and, if so, why? There are several reasons why youth with ASD might be undervaccinated, including: belief in a vaccine-ASD link, challenges faced by youth with ASD when seeking health care and vaccine hesitancy factors that affect the general population. Possible undervaccination in this group is concerning given the prevalence of ASD and the key role of vaccinations in preventing infectious diseases. More research is needed to establish definitively whether youth with ASD are undervaccinated and to understand facilitators and barriers to vaccination for this population. This would help public health officials to develop and implement targeted policy and practice changes to increase vaccination uptake in youth with ASD, thereby increasing immunization equity.

References

Aug 31, 2006·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·John W HarringtonDonald A Brand
Jun 22, 2012·American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·Alicia BazzanoDanise Lehrer
Oct 10, 2012·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Ghassan Abu KuwaikJessica Brian
Mar 26, 2014·Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP·Meghan N DavignonSusan E Levy
Apr 22, 2015·Vaccine·Noni E MacDonald, UNKNOWN SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy
May 28, 2015·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Ruth L FischbachBruce G Link
Nov 9, 2015·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Janet R CummingsLisa A Croen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues. Here is the latest research on autism.