Decades-old claim resurfaces that CDC concealed data linking vaccines to autism

The persistence of the misinformation increases its risk. Debunking messaging may explain that the study in question is not actually a study but an abstract of preliminary, non-peer reviewed data presented at a conference in 2000. Far from being concealed, the full transcript of the presentation is available online. During the presentation, the lead researcher explained that there were irregularities in data collection, including inconsistencies in age at vaccination and the types and combination of vaccines the children received. Emphasizing that, even at this early stage, the data showed no link between thimerosal exposure and autism is recommended. Three years after the conference, the full study was published in a peer-reviewed journal and found no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and any developmental disorders. Prebunking messaging may also emphasize that no childhood vaccine in use since 2001 contains thimerosal.

Fact-Checking Source(s):

• Forbes, Majikthise (investigative journalist Lindsay Beyerstein), NIH