CDC updates website to cast doubt on vaccine-autism link, aligning with health chief’s views, drawing widespread condemnation from medical experts
WASHINGTON: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its official website to reflect vaccine skepticism promoted by a senior Trump administration official.
Medical and public health experts widely condemned the changes, which undermine the agency’s previous scientifically grounded position on immunizations.
The CDC late Wednesday altered language regarding vaccines and autism on its website.
Years of research demonstrate no causal link between vaccinations and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr has long voiced anti-vaccine rhetoric and inaccurate claims connecting the two.
The webpage previously stated studies show “no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder,” citing high-quality research including a 2013 agency study.
That text reflected medical and scientific consensus, including World Health Organization guidance.
The revised version now asserts that “the claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.”
It accuses health authorities of having “ignored” research supporting a link and announces a “comprehensive assessment of the causes of autism.”
One header remained unchanged: “Vaccines do not Autism.”
A footnote explains this line wasn’t cut due to an agreement Kennedy made with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy.
Cassidy insisted on vaccine safety and efficacy in a social media post, stating “any statement to the contrary is wrong, irresponsible, and actively makes Americans sicker.”
CDC staff expressed deep concern about the revisions, according to a union member who requested anonymity.
Helen Tager-Flusberg of Boston University’s Center for Autism Research Excellence called the changes “terribly disturbing.”
“I feel like we are going back to the Dark Ages,” the psychologist told AFP.
Former immunization director Demetre Daskalakis resigned earlier this year in protest and stated “DO NOT TRUST THIS AGENCY.”
American Academy of Pediatrics president Susan Kressly cited “40 high-quality studies” showing “no link between vaccines and autism.”
Meanwhile, anti-vaccine advocacy group Children’s Health Defense praised the revisions, with CEO Mary Holland thanking Kennedy on social media. – AFP
