Website Changes Raise Immediate Concern
The CDC updated key sections of its website Wednesday, adding language that questions long-established vaccine safety research. The new text suggests scientists have not fully ruled out a link between vaccines and autism. Experts warn this framing misrepresents decades of evidence and risks confusing the public.
New Wording Promotes Unwarranted Doubt
The revised page claims the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based because studies cannot rule out every possibility. Specialists say this phrasing introduces artificial uncertainty. Alison Singer of the Autism Science Foundation explains that science cannot prove an absolute negative. She emphasizes that conclusions rely on consistent, repeated evidence.
Singer stresses that extensive research shows vaccines do not cause autism. Her foundation notes that no environmental factor has been studied more thoroughly than vaccines and their ingredients.
Medical Experts Push Back Strongly
Pediatrician Paul Offit strongly rejects the CDC’s new language. He says the logic could be misapplied to everyday foods or habits. A federal health spokesperson said the site will ultimately reflect the strongest scientific evidence.
A senior FDA commissioner recently told Sanjay Gupta that he does not believe vaccines cause autism. He added that no medical product is entirely risk-free and warned that extreme language erodes trust in public health.
Large Studies Find No Association
The CDC page claims studies suggesting no link were ignored. Experts say this is false. Research claiming a connection was flawed or fraudulent, while numerous high-quality studies show no relationship.
A 2019 Danish study followed more than 650,000 children. About 6,500 were later diagnosed with autism. Researchers found no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. The result held across family history, backgrounds, and other vaccines. The study concluded that the MMR vaccine does not increase autism risk.
The updated CDC page omits this study. It cites older reviews and questions about aluminum. A 2025 Danish study found no link between aluminum in childhood vaccines and 50 medical conditions, including autism. Yet the page still calls for further investigation.
The site also cites a federal review of autism causes. Singer says this diverts resources from strong genetic research explaining most cases.
The main heading still says “Vaccines do not cause autism.” A footnote explains it remains due to an agreement made during the health secretary’s confirmation.
A senator confirmed discussing the issue with the secretary. He says parents need clear, accurate guidance and stresses that vaccines for childhood diseases are safe and do not cause autism.
Experts Warn of Growing Public Health Threat
Vaccine scientist Peter Hotez says the revised page repeats claims disproven multiple times. He points to past misinformation about MMR vaccines, thimerosal, and aluminum. He calls the updates dangerous and urges their removal.
A former CDC immunization director wrote the changes are “a national embarrassment.” He says staff were blindsided and warns the edits undermine public trust. Pediatric experts fear further declines in vaccination rates.
Political Influence Shapes Messaging
The updates reflect broader efforts by the administration to challenge long-standing vaccine policy. The health secretary hired advisers known for opposing vaccines. Some faced sanctions or criticism for unreliable research. They now review government data to support claims of hidden vaccine risks.
Routine childhood vaccination rates continue to fall. Measles and whooping cough are rising. CDC experts warn the United States may soon lose its status as a nation free of continuous measles transmission.
