A recent study published in Science, Public Health Policy, and the Law suggests an association between childhood vaccinations and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in 9-year-old children enrolled in Florida’s Medicaid program. Using healthcare claims data from over 47,000 children, the study examined whether vaccination status and frequency of vaccination visits were linked to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, and learning disabilities.
Key Findings:
- Higher rates of NDDs in vaccinated children: 27.8% of vaccinated children were diagnosed with at least one NDD, compared to 11% of unvaccinated children.
- Preterm birth and vaccination: Among preterm children, those who were vaccinated had a significantly higher likelihood (39.9%) of being diagnosed with an NDD compared to unvaccinated preterm children (15.7%).
- Increased risk with more vaccination visits: The likelihood of an ASD diagnosis increased with the number of vaccination visits. Children with 11 or more vaccination visits were 4.4 times (a 340% increase) more likely to have autism compared to those who were unvaccinated.
- Preterm birth without vaccination: Preterm children who were not vaccinated had similar rates of NDDs to full-term unvaccinated children, except for epilepsy, which was slightly more common in preterm cases.
What Does This Mean?
The study suggests an association between the number of vaccination visits and the likelihood of being diagnosed with NDDs. It also highlights that preterm infants who receive vaccinations may have an increased risk of developmental concerns compared to those who remain unvaccinated.
This study raises important questions about the potential impact of the current vaccination schedule on children's health. Parents deserve access to transparent data and tools to make informed decisions. VaxCalc is here to help you explore vaccine research and make confident choices for your family.
