Adverse Reactions

Hepatitis B Vaccination of Male Neonates and Autism Diagnosis

Captured 2018-07-23
Document Highlights

Universal hepatitis B vaccination was recommended for U.S. newborns in 1991…

The association between hepatitis B vaccination of male neonates and parental report of autism diagnosis was determined.

Boys vaccinated as neonates had threefold greater odds for autism diagnosis compared to boys never vaccinated or vaccinated after the first month of life.

Findings suggest that U.S. male neonates vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine prior to 1999had a threefold higher risk for parental report of autism diagnosis compared to boys not vaccinated as neonates during that same time period.

Comments

In the year 2000, mercury (thimerosal) began to be removed from the hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines due to concerns over potential adverse neurological effects.