Report: Infant Vaccines Not Linked To SIDS

WASHINGTON -- A report found no evidence of a link between sudden infant death syndrome and multiple vaccines given in infancy.

The Institute of Medicine report reinforces previous studies that found no relationship between the vaccines and SIDS. Many parents had become concerned after an Australian researcher in the 1980s argued there was a connection.

"Parents should rest assured that the number and variety of childhood vaccines do not cause SIDS," said report author Dr. Marie McCormick, chairwoman of the department of maternal and child health at Harvard School of Public Health.

McCormick said there still are unanswered questions about crib death. But she said these questions don't require a review of the vaccination schedule.

The number of infant deaths declined between 1990 and 2000, dropping from 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births to 6.9 per 1,000, the lowest infant mortality rate ever recorded in the United States, according to the report.

Experts advise parents to reduce SIDS risk by following these tips:

Don't place a baby on his/her stomach to sleep.
Don't expose a baby to cigarette smoke.
Don't cover a baby with heavy blankets.