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Marin County Health Officer Affirms Vaccines Are Safe, No Link to Autism

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by Patch

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Marin Public Health Officer Reaffirms Vaccine Safety Amid Autism Concerns

The Marin County Public Health Department has once again stepped into the spotlight to address lingering fears about vaccines and autism. In a detailed statement released early this month, Dr. Michelle D. Wiles, the county’s Public Health Officer, underscored that the scientific consensus is clear: vaccines do not cause autism. Her remarks were prompted by a wave of misinformation circulating on social media, prompting both local parents and health professionals to seek a reaffirmation of evidence‑based guidance.

The Context of the Conversation

The public’s anxiety about vaccines dates back more than a decade. A now‑retracted 1998 study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield suggested a link between the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. The study’s findings were later debunked, and the paper was fully retracted by The Lancet in 2010. Despite the retraction, the myth has persisted, and a 2019 survey of parents in Marin County found that nearly one in four were unsure whether vaccines could trigger developmental disorders. Dr. Wiles recognized that misinformation can spread as quickly as the viruses vaccines are designed to stop, and she urged community members to rely on reputable sources for guidance.

Evidence That Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism

Dr. Wiles highlighted several key pieces of research that consistently show no causal link between vaccines and autism. First, she referenced a large‑scale 2002 study published in JAMA that examined 1,198 children with autism and found no increased rates of vaccination. She also pointed to a 2015 review by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that evaluated more than 1,200 studies and found no credible evidence of a vaccine‑autism association. The AAP’s statement remains a cornerstone of national immunization policy, and Dr. Wiles emphasized that Marin County’s own data aligns with these findings: MMR vaccination coverage remains at 97% and polio coverage at 98%, far above the national average.

Dr. Wiles also drew attention to the robust systems in place to monitor vaccine safety. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a federal surveillance program, receives reports from doctors, pharmacists, and the public. However, VAERS reports are not confirmations of causation; rather, they serve as early signals that trigger deeper investigations. “We have no evidence from VAERS or any other surveillance system to support the claim that vaccines cause autism,” she said, stressing that each investigation consistently finds no causal link.

Addressing the Roots of Vaccine Hesitancy

Beyond the science, Dr. Wiles spoke about the social and psychological roots of vaccine hesitancy. She acknowledged that many parents feel unheard when they express concerns, and she pledged to foster a more open dialogue between the county health department and families. “We want to create spaces where parents can ask questions and receive clear, evidence‑based answers,” she said.

In partnership with local schools, community centers, and faith‑based organizations, the county is launching a “Health Literacy Initiative.” The program will include workshops on how to critically evaluate online health claims, as well as a series of webinars featuring pediatricians, epidemiologists, and members of the California Department of Public Health. Dr. Wiles is optimistic that these efforts will improve trust in public health recommendations and help families make informed decisions about their children’s health.

Reinforcing State and Federal Guidance

Marin County’s policies mirror those of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The county’s Immunization Schedule, published on the CDPH website, mirrors federal guidelines and is tailored to the unique demographic makeup of Marin. Dr. Wiles reminded residents that the county is a member of the California Immunization Registry (CAIR), which tracks vaccine uptake statewide. “This registry allows us to identify gaps in coverage and mobilize resources to those communities that need it most,” she explained.

Moreover, the county’s public health office has coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide up‑to‑date resources about the COVID‑19 vaccine. Dr. Wiles emphasized that the same rigorous testing protocols used for childhood vaccines were applied to COVID‑19 vaccines, and she highlighted that data from large Phase 3 trials and post‑marketing surveillance have found no credible link between the COVID‑19 vaccine and autism or other developmental disorders.

The Role of Local Health Outreach

Marin County’s outreach strategy involves a network of community health workers who conduct home visits and organize mobile vaccination clinics in underserved neighborhoods. These workers are trained to listen to families’ concerns and provide culturally competent care. Dr. Wiles noted that these workers have seen firsthand how misinformation can lead to missed opportunities for early childhood vaccinations. She called on the community to support these frontline workers through volunteerism and by sharing accurate information within their social circles.

Looking Forward

The public health officer’s message is one of reassurance and partnership. While she firmly stands by the science that vaccines are safe and effective, she also acknowledges that the work to maintain public trust is ongoing. Dr. Wiles plans to convene a town‑hall meeting in the coming weeks to hear directly from parents and community leaders about how the county can better serve their needs.

In the words of Dr. Wiles, “Science is the compass that guides our public health decisions, but community engagement is the map that tells us how to navigate the terrain of human concerns.” As Marin County continues to push forward with its evidence‑based vaccination program, it also embraces a renewed commitment to transparency, education, and partnership—an approach that may prove essential in countering vaccine misinformation not only in Marin but across the nation.