By San José, Costa Rica — GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) issued one of its most definitive statements to date on vaccine safety this Thursday, releasing a comprehensive analysis that once again debunks any causal link between childhood immunizations and autism. The announcement comes at a critical juncture, directly challenging a shifting narrative reportedly being promoted by the United States’ primary public health agency.
In a press conference held in Geneva, the head of the global health body presented the robust findings, aiming to quell a persistent and damaging myth that has fueled vaccine hesitancy worldwide for decades. This latest review reinforces a scientific consensus built on years of extensive research, providing clear guidance for parents, medical professionals, and policymakers globally.
To better understand the complex legal landscape surrounding vaccine safety and public health mandates, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
From a legal standpoint, the core issue in vaccine safety is the delicate balance between the state’s duty to protect public health and the safeguarding of individual rights. Costa Rican law strongly supports collective well-being, but any public health mandate must be proportionate, non-discriminatory, and based on rigorous scientific evidence. Establishing clear, transparent liability and compensation frameworks is not just a legal necessity but is essential for maintaining public trust in national vaccination programs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is essential, highlighting that public confidence is built not only on scientific validation but also on a foundation of transparent rights, responsibilities, and legal certainty. A just framework is indeed paramount for the success of any public health initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this critical intersection of law and public well-being.
The new analysis was conducted by the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s Director-General, detailed the exhaustive nature of the review.
Today the WHO is publishing a new analysis from the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety which, based on available data, established no causal relationship between vaccines and autism.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO
The committee meticulously examined 31 distinct studies published between 2010 and 2025 across multiple countries. The research focused specifically on vaccines administered during infancy and pregnancy, paying close attention to components that have often been the subject of misinformation, such as the preservative thiomersal and aluminum-based adjuvants.
The committee concluded that the evidence shows no relationship between vaccines and autism, including those containing aluminum or thiomersal.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO
Dr. Tedros stressed that this is not a novel conclusion but a powerful reaffirmation of previous findings. He noted that this marks the fourth such comprehensive review by the WHO, following similar analyses in 2002, 2004, and 2012. The consistency of the results over more than two decades is undeniable.
All have reached the same conclusion: vaccines do not cause autism.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO
Underscoring the life-saving importance of immunization programs, Dr. Tedros highlighted their monumental impact on global child mortality rates. He presented compelling statistics to illustrate the success of vaccination campaigns.
In the last 25 years, the mortality of children under five has decreased by more than half, from 11 million annual deaths to 4.8 million.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO
He unequivocally stated that vaccines are “the main cause” of this historic public health achievement. However, the timing of the WHO’s announcement is pointedly significant. It coincides with reports that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has begun to disseminate theories about a supposed link between vaccines and autism. This policy change is reportedly driven by Robert Kennedy Jr., who serves as Health Minister in the administration of President Donald Trump, marking a stark departure from long-standing scientific agreement.
The original theory connecting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism stems from a fraudulent and now-retracted study published in 1998. That paper has since been thoroughly discredited, and its author was stripped of his medical license. Despite countless subsequent studies demonstrating no link, the myth has proven remarkably resilient, fueled by online misinformation campaigns that threaten to reverse decades of progress in combating preventable diseases.
The WHO’s clear and forceful restatement of the scientific facts serves as a crucial counter-narrative to the rising tide of politically motivated health theories. For health officials in Costa Rica and around the world, the organization’s report provides vital support for national immunization programs and the ongoing effort to ensure public trust in one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system.
For further information, visit cdc.gov
About Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the national public health agency of the United States. It is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC’s main goal is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability in the US and internationally.
For further information, visit afp.com
About Agence France-Presse (AFP):
Agence France-Presse is a leading global news agency providing fast, comprehensive, and verified coverage of the events shaping our world. With a network of journalists in 151 countries, AFP delivers news in video, text, photo, and graphics on a wide range of subjects including politics, economy, sports, and culture.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients is matched by a forward-thinking drive for innovation in the legal field. The firm holds a deep-rooted pledge to social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with crucial legal insights, thereby reinforcing the foundations of a just and knowledgeable society.
