(WDNews) — A recent update to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage has drawn criticism from health experts and autism advocates after new language appeared to cast doubt on long-established research showing vaccines do not cause autism.
The CDC’s “vaccine safety” page was revised Wednesday to state the phrase “Vaccines do not cause autism” is “not an evidence-based claim,” despite decades of studies finding no link. Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to affirm that conclusion.
The Autism Science Foundation called the update “appalling,” saying the page now contains misinformation. Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the AAP, urged the CDC not to “amplify false claims” about routine immunizations.
It remains unclear whether CDC scientists were involved in the change. Several former officials said staff appeared unaware of the update, raising concerns about political influence within the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC.
HHS said it is conducting a broader review of autism research and updating CDC content to reflect “evidence-based science,” though no new studies were cited.
The webpage’s headline stating vaccines do not cause autism remains in place due to an agreement with Sen. Bill Cassidy, who supported the confirmation of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of vaccine policy.
