The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan has commented on widespread concerns among expectant mothers that vaccinations during pregnancy may harm fetal development. The agency cites results from large-scale international studies, as reported by infohub.kz.
In particular, the risk of autism (autism spectrum disorder, ASD) in children after vaccination of pregnant women was examined.
"Five major studies looked at vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, as well as pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. They involved tens and hundreds of thousands of mother-child pairs. However, none of these large studies found an increased risk of ASD or early neurodevelopmental disorders in children after maternal vaccination," the statement said.
The CEC emphasized that the high quality of evidence was ensured by large cohorts, medical registries, and adjustment for other factors that may affect a child's health.
"Conclusion: current scientific evidence does not confirm that vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in the child," the Committee noted.
Earlier, the CEC reported that vaccination of children themselves also does not cause autism later in life. Additionally, researchers separately examined the link between thiomersal (an ethylmercury-based preservative used in some multi-dose vaccines) and autism. In this case as well, no association between the disease and vaccination was confirmed.
"Kursiv" previously reported that Kazakhstan's chief sanitary doctor signed a decree on additional HPV vaccination for girls aged 14–17.