TROY, NY (NEWS10) — The Capital Region may become home to CDC-funded research focusing on a possible link between vaccines and autism.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants Renselaer Polytechnic Institute to investigate any association between vaccinations and autism prevalence. The university says it is aware and appreciates the CDC’s intent. In a statement to News10, RPI said the project, if awarded, will be led by Professor Juergen Hahn, “a biomedical engineer and data science expert who has conducted extensive research focused on autism risk factors. He is renowned for the quality and rigor of his research. If this project is awarded, he intends to publish the results of his work at the conclusion of the project.”
The CDC has not yet responded to News10’s request for comment, but Renselaer County Commissioner of Mental Health Katherine Alonge-Coons said she welcomes the research.
“Currently in our care for children, we follow the current recommendations from The Academy of Pediatrics and The Academy of Psychiatrists, and support vaccination unless it’s medically contra-indicated,’ she said. “We think that further research would be very helpful, and we would want to be certain that vaccines do not contribute to autism, development of autism.”
Alonge-Coons says she is excited that CDC-funded research could take place right in their own backyard.
“Any way in which we could be supportive of their research project, we would welcome the opportunity,” she said.
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