Revised Website Draws Swift Backlash
The CDC updated important sections of its website on Wednesday. The changes question long-established scientific findings on vaccine safety. The new wording suggests that studies have not ruled out a link between vaccines and autism. Experts say these claims distort the evidence and mislead the public.
Subtle Phrasing Aims to Create Doubt
The updated bullet points argue that the phrase “vaccines do not cause autism” lacks strong evidence. The phrasing implies major gaps in research on infant vaccines. Specialists describe this approach as a deliberate way to raise uncertainty. Alison Singer from the Autism Science Foundation says science relies on repeated and consistent results. She explains that researchers cannot prove an absolute negative. She says they instead rely on overwhelming and clear evidence across many studies.
Singer emphasizes that data show vaccines do not cause autism. Her foundation notes that vaccines and their ingredients rank among the most thoroughly studied environmental factors.
Scientific Leaders Push Back Hard
Pediatrician Paul Offit rejects the updated claims. He says science can never prove “never,” but that limit applies universally. He warns that the same logic could unfairly cast suspicion on common foods. A spokesperson for the US health department says the CDC page will follow strong scientific standards.
A senior FDA commissioner told Sanjay Gupta in a recent podcast that he does not believe vaccines cause autism. He says no medical product is perfectly safe. He warns that extreme or absolute statements damage trust and confuse the public.
Extensive Evidence Shows No Link
The updated CDC page claims that studies suggesting a link were ignored. This is false. Research once pointing to a link was either flawed or fraudulent. Numerous high-quality studies show no connection at all.
A major Danish study from 2019 examined more than 650,000 children. About 6,500 were diagnosed with autism. Researchers found no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. This result held across many variables, including other vaccines and family history. The authors concluded that the MMR vaccine does not increase autism risk.
This study does not appear on the revised CDC page. Instead, the site cites older reviews and raises questions about aluminum in vaccines. A Danish study published in 2025 found no link between aluminum in childhood vaccines and 50 health conditions. The revised page still argues the findings require further research.
The new content also highlights a federal investigation into autism causes. Singer calls the effort wasteful. She says evidence strongly supports genetic roots tied to early brain development.
The main heading still states that vaccines do not cause autism. A footnote explains it remains because of an agreement negotiated during the health secretary’s confirmation.
A senator later confirmed he spoke with the secretary about the matter. He stresses that parents need clear and accurate guidance. He says vaccines for measles, polio, and hepatitis B are safe and do not cause autism.
Concern Over Spread of Health Misinformation
Vaccine expert Peter Hotez says the CDC’s updated text repeats long-debunked claims. He cites past misinformation about MMR vaccines, thimerosal, and aluminum. He calls the new page dangerous disinformation. He urges immediate removal.
A former CDC immunization director wrote that the changes are “a national embarrassment.” He says CDC scientists were not informed beforehand. He says moves like this contributed to recent resignations. Other experts warn the changes further erode trust in public health agencies.
Political Influence on Vaccine Messaging Grows
The updates reflect broader attempts by the administration to challenge long-standing vaccine policy. The health secretary appointed advisers with long histories of criticizing vaccines. Some have records of unreliable research or professional misconduct. They now reanalyze government data to support conspiracy-driven claims.
Childhood vaccination rates in the US continue to decline. Measles and whooping cough are rising again. CDC specialists warned this week that the country may lose its status as free of ongoing measles transmission.
