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Some people believe that vaccines can increase risk of developing mental health illnesses, such as autism. In a new study, researchers examined the link between certain vaccines and risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as other kinds of acquired central nervous system demyelinating syndromes (CNS ADS). The team from Kaiser Permanente concluded that getting the vaccines for hepatitis B (HepB) and the human papillomavirus (HPV) did not increase future risk of CNS ADS.

"Our data do not support a causal link between current vaccines and the risk of MS or other CNS ADS. Our findings do not warrant any change in vaccine policy," the researchers concluded.

For this study, the researchers headed by Annette Langer-Gould, M.D., Ph.D., looked at 780 cases of CNS ADS who were members of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. These cases were compared to 3,885 controls. There were 92 female CNS ADS cases and 459 female controls who were between the ages of nine and 26, which is the same age range recommended for HPV vaccination.

Overall, the team found no link between getting vaccinated against HPV and risk of MS or CNS ADS for up to three years. The HepB vaccine also did not increase risk of MS or CNS ADS.

"Vaccination of any type was associated with increased risk of a CNS ADS onset within the first 30 days after vaccination only in patients younger than 50 years but this association disappeared after 30 days," written in the press release.

The study was published in JAMA Neurology.