Updated Guidance Raises Immediate Alarm
The CDC revised major sections of its website Wednesday, adding language that questions decades of established vaccine research. The new wording suggests scientists have not fully dismissed a potential link between vaccines and autism. Experts warn this framing misrepresents evidence and risks misleading families.
Language Introduces Unnecessary Doubt
The page now claims that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not fully evidence-based because studies cannot eliminate every possibility. Specialists say this phrasing creates unwarranted uncertainty. Alison Singer of the Autism Science Foundation notes that science cannot prove an absolute negative. She emphasizes that strong conclusions rely on repeated, consistent research.
Singer stresses that decades of studies show vaccines do not cause autism. She notes that no environmental factor has been studied more thoroughly than vaccines and their components.
Medical Experts Push Back
Pediatrician Paul Offit criticizes the CDC’s new language, saying the logic could cast doubt on ordinary foods or daily habits. A federal health spokesperson said the website will ultimately reflect the strongest scientific evidence.
A senior FDA commissioner told Sanjay Gupta he does not believe vaccines cause autism. He noted that no medical product is entirely risk-free and warned that absolute language undermines public trust.
Robust Studies Find No Link
The CDC page claims studies supporting no connection have been ignored. Experts say this is false. Early research suggesting a link was flawed or fraudulent, while many high-quality studies show no relationship.
A 2019 Danish study followed more than 650,000 children. About 6,500 later received autism diagnoses. Researchers found no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. This result held across family histories, backgrounds, and other vaccines. The study concluded that the MMR vaccine does not increase autism risk.
The updated CDC page omits this major study. It highlights older reviews and raises questions about aluminum in vaccines. 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 calls this a misallocation of resources, noting strong genetic evidence already explains most cases.
The main heading still reads “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 said families need clear guidance and emphasized that vaccines for childhood diseases remain safe.
Experts Warn of Public Health Consequences
Vaccine scientist Peter Hotez says the revised page repeats long-disproven claims. He points to past misinformation on MMR vaccines, thimerosal, and aluminum. He calls the updates dangerous and urges removal.
A former CDC immunization director described the changes as “a national embarrassment.” He said staff were blindsided and warned that such revisions undermine public trust. Pediatric experts fear vaccination rates will decline further.
Political Pressure Drives Messaging Changes
The revisions align with broader efforts by the administration to challenge long-standing vaccine policy. The health secretary appointed advisers known for opposing vaccines. Some faced sanctions or criticism for unreliable research. They now review federal data to support claims of hidden vaccine risks.
Routine childhood vaccination rates continue to drop nationwide. Measles and whooping cough are rising. CDC experts warned this week that the U.S. may soon lose its status as a nation free of continuous measles transmission.
