Fact or Fiction?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(or Sudden Unexpected Infant Death)
FACT: Vaccines do not cause Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.
The first six months of an infant's life are the MOST important time to have protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
It is recommended that babies receive several immunizations before they reach six months of age. This period in an infant’s life is also when the majority of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), previously SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), cases occur. SUID is the sudden, unexpected death of an infant younger than 1 year old. More than 90% of all SUID deaths take place between birth and 6 months old, with a peak in cases occurring between 1 and 4 months of age. It's no wonder that some parents have questioned a possible relationship between vaccination and sudden infant death.
Studies have shown no link between SIDS and vaccines.
Many scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate if there is a connection between vaccination and SUID. The evidence is clear. There is no link between SUID and vaccines. Rather, children at highest risk of SUID are those who were born very early, have a long-term medical problem (e.g., lung disease requiring continuous oxygen use), or are put to sleep on their stomachs (instead of their backs). Other factors that increase a baby’s risk of SUID include:
- Placing babies to sleep on soft surfaces or with loose bedding or blankets
- Bed sharing, especially under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Smoking during pregnancy or in the home after birth
- Low birth weight
- If you have more questions about SUID, talk to your healthcare provider or reference these additional resources: