On November 19, the CDC updated its website on vaccines and autism, adding false information that suggests a possible link between the two. The page now claims that “studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism,” despite decades of scientific evidence showing no link between autism and vaccines. Public health experts, including current and former CDC scientists, condemned the update, warning that it will fuel confusion, increase hesitancy, and further erode trust in the agency. One former CDC researcher stated that “CDC cannot currently be trusted as a scientific voice,” while the American Academy of Pediatrics accused the agency of “wasting government resources to amplify false claims.” Social media users claimed that the CDC has been “compromised” and can no longer be trusted. Meanwhile, vaccine opponents praised the CDC for the shift.
Recommendation
The CDC’s updated language on vaccines and autism does not reflect current scientific evidence showing no link between the two. Health communicators may wish to direct audiences to more reliable sources of autism and vaccine information, such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center, the AAP, and the World Health Organization. Debunking messaging may reaffirm that the scientific consensus remains unchanged after more than three decades of research: Vaccines do not cause autism. Large, well-designed studies involving millions of children worldwide show no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Talking points may also note that the original claims about a link stem from retracted and discredited studies.
Fact-checking sources: AAP, CHOP, National Academies of Sciences
Communication resources: Download messaging guidance debunking the link between vaccines and autism
