The IOM's SUID report (2003): evidence favors rejection of a causal DTwP-SIDS relationship (carried from 1991/1994 reports); inadequate to accept or reject for DTaP-SIDS (though 'no reason to suspect' a link), and for Hib, hepatitis B, OPV, IPV and SIDS (only VAERS case reports); favors rejection for multiple-vaccine exposure and SIDS; inadequate for multiple vaccines and sudden unexpected death in infancy overall; proposed mechanisms 'only theoretical.' The committee did not recommend a policy review.
The committee concludes that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between exposure to multiple vaccines and SIDS.
Report conclusions (NBK221465)
The IOM's SUID report (2003): evidence favors rejection of a causal DTwP-SIDS relationship (carried from 1991/1994 reports); inadequate to accept or reject for DTaP-SIDS (though 'no reason to suspect' a link), and for Hib, hepatitis B, OPV, IPV and SIDS (only VAERS case reports); favors rejection for multiple-vaccine exposure and SIDS; inadequate for multiple vaccines and sudden unexpected death in infancy overall; proposed mechanisms 'only theoretical.' The committee did not recommend a policy review. Mixed verdicts: outright rejection for whole-cell pertussis and multiple-vaccine exposure; 'inadequate' (not affirmatively exonerating) for DTaP and hepatitis B individually.