The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a significant revision to a section of its website regarding the relationship between vaccines and autism. Previously, the CDC maintained that vaccines do not cause autism based on extensive research and population studies. The updated statement now suggests that studies have not definitively ruled out a potential link between infant vaccines and autism, marking a shift in the agency’s stance.
This change reflects claims often associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has publicly advocated the view that vaccines may be linked to autism, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus that discredits such connections.
In the revised wording, the CDC states that the assertion “vaccines do not cause autism” is “not an evidence-based claim,” suggesting that previous studies showing no link may not have been fully acknowledged by health authorities. The revision has raised concerns among public health experts regarding the potential implications for vaccine confidence and public health messaging.
Reports from Axios and the Washington Post highlight that many CDC career scientists were not consulted or informed before the revision and learned of it only after the update was made public. This change follows an announcement by HHS regarding a research partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to explore possible connections between vaccines and autism, which has added to the unease among health professionals.
An HHS spokesperson defended the revised language, stating that it reflects “gold-standard, evidence-based science.” However, there are still questions concerning the motivations behind the review and its timing, as well as how it may influence public perception of vaccine safety.
MBFC Rating Update:
Due to this shift, Media Bias/Fact Check has recently downgraded the CDC to Questionable, citing alignment with a Right-Biased government agenda and increasing promotion of anti-science propaganda, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscience under current leadership. While the CDC still hosts valuable historical data and disease tracking resources, its factual reporting is now considered Mixed as political influence continues to erode scientific independence.
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