Do flu shots cause Asperger's Syndrome?

Answer 1

Flu shots do not cause autism. Because when one identical twin has autism, the other twin almost always has autism, too, we know that it is in the genes. Some of the genes associated with autism have been identified. But, since there are rare occasions when the other twin does not have autism, it is thought that something extra must trigger the development of autism in those persons who have the genes for it. The factors that could trigger autism genes are not known.

Answer 2

There is no information that links flu vaccination and autism in the infants. Flu vaccinations continue to be urged by the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

From ACOG about Mercury in flu shots and autism:

There is no evidence that thimerosal (a mercury preservative in the multi-dose vaccine) is harmful to a pregnant woman or her fetus or is linked to autism. Although the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is new, the vaccine has been made and tested the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. Millions of pregnant women have received the flu vaccine for more than 45 years. Flu vaccine has not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies.

See the related links below for information on these topics from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

More from that information:

A recent study by Eick and colleagues published on-line on October 4, 2010 (to appear in print in February 2011) in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that when women were vaccinated in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, their babies were significantly less likely to get the flu, and the babies' blood showed evidence of antibodies to the flu. This study adds to the literature that vaccination in pregnancy is a "two for" because of the protection that it affords to infants younger than 6 months old who are vulnerable to influenza but not eligible for immunization.

Answer 3

No.

Asperger's Syndrome is Inherited.