BACKGROUND:

Although previous studies have shown either no association between immunisation and SIDS or even a decreased risk of SIDS, adverse effects, including death, from immunisations continue to cause concern, especially when a new vaccine is introduced.

METHODS:

A large case control study with immunisation data on 307 SIDS cases and 971 controls.

RESULTS:

SIDS cases were immunised less frequently and later than controls. Furthermore there was no increased risk of SIDS in the 14 days following immunisation. There was no evidence to suggest the recently introduced hexavalent vaccines were associated with an increased risk of SIDS.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides further support that immunisations may reduce the risk of SIDS.