The West Coast Health Alliance has spoken & confirmed that vaccines are safe and they do not cause autism. This message is important because many parents have heard confusing or frightening claims over the years. Some of those claims came from outdated information or from people sharing opinions unsupported by science.
Doctors and researchers around the world have studied vaccines for decades. These studies consistently show that vaccines do not cause autism. Health experts say it is essential for families to receive clear information so they can make decisions without fear.
Why This Statement Was Needed
The recent language used in an official health website created confusion about vaccines and autism, which prompted concerns by physicians and leaders in public health, particularly out west.
This has led to the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance (California, Washington, Oregon & Hawaii), which will support family health education with established scientific evidence for vaccine guidance; they are strong supporters of vaccines to prevent serious childhood diseases like measles, mumps & rubella.
Leaders stated that vaccines have been thoroughly tested before approval, are continually reviewed to ensure safety, and that the dissemination of confusing or inaccurate information may increase anxiety in parents, especially those whose children are experiencing other health or developmental issues.
They want to assure families that there is one message: vaccines are safe, save lives, and are not associated with autism.
What Science Says About Autism
Autism is a developmental condition that begins early in life. Scientists have found that genetics and biology, not vaccines, influence autism. Factors may include genetic changes, medical conditions during pregnancy, environmental exposures, or the parents’ age at conception.
False claims about vaccines were created after a 1998 study stated that there was an increased risk of Autism due to the MMR vaccine, but it has been shown that this research was invalid and withdrawn by the medical community. Additionally, the study’s author did not publicly disclose that he had a potential conflict of interest (he received money from lawyers representing parents suing vaccine manufacturers), which violates ethical standards.
In addition, the medical community as a whole rejected these claims. Despite this rejection, misinformation regarding vaccination was still widely accepted, creating unnecessary fear and guilt for many families.
Experts stress that parenting choices or childhood vaccinations do not cause autism. Autism is simply part of how some brains develop. Children with autism need understanding, support, and access to services—not blame.
Why Sacramento ABA Center Is Sharing This
The Sacramento ABA Therapy Center helps autistic children and their families through ABA therapy and other family-focused services. SAC does not provide research or testing for autism related to medical research or whether vaccines cause autism.
We are sharing this information because it directly affects many of the families we serve. Confusion and misinformation can add fear and guilt to an already challenging journey. Our interest is in helping families feel informed, supported, and reassured.
Autism is not something to blame on a single cause. Our focus is on understanding each child’s strengths and needs and providing therapy that helps them grow, communicate, and thrive. If you have questions about autism services or support options, we are here to help guide you.
