VACCINE

dia’s DTaP (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed) vaccine. The label states
that “autism” is included, along with SIDS, encephalopathy (brain damage) among other adverse events “because
of the seriousness or frequency of reporting.” The label states, “Because these events are reported voluntarily
from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequencies or to establish
a causal relationship to components of Tripedia vaccine.”
The CDC’s MMR vaccine information page cites the following “very rare” severe problems: “deafness, longterm
seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness and permanent brain damage.”
This week, in response to a query, the CDC stated that it is not currently investigating the relation between vaccines
and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). “Further, CDC does not have any planned research addressing vaccines
and autism,” said a CDC spokesman.
“CDC believes that this topic has been thoroughly studied and no causal links have been found. Current CDC
ASD related research focuses on determining how many people have ASD and understanding risk factors and
causes for ASD.”–CDC spokesman
In his statement, Thompson says that his colleagues and supervisors at the CDC have been entirely professional
since his allegations became public. “In fact, I received a performance-based award” after the news came out, he
says.
Further responding to Thompson’s allegations, the CDC says, “Additional studies and a more recent rigorous
review by the Institute of Medicine have found that MMR vaccine does not increase the risk