Overview
- The CDC page now labels the statement that vaccines do not cause autism as not evidence-based, adds that studies have not ruled out a possible link, and retains the original header with an asterisk noting an agreement with Sen. Bill Cassidy.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged directing the change, and an HHS spokesperson said studies have not definitively ruled out potential associations and that the department seeks a definitive answer.
- Major medical and autism organizations, including the American Medical Association, Autism Science Foundation, and Autism Speaks, condemned the edits as false and misleading, pointing to extensive studies showing no causal link.
- Public health experts such as Michael Osterholm warn the revised messaging will erode vaccine confidence, depress uptake, and increase the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
- A former senior CDC official, Daniel Jernigan, said the update bypassed the agency’s normal scientific clearance process, underscoring staff concerns about political interference and credibility.