Controversial Edits Raise Immediate Alarm
The CDC updated major sections of its website on Wednesday. The new language questions long-standing scientific conclusions about vaccine safety. The page now suggests that studies have not ruled out a link between vaccines and autism. Experts say these claims are misleading and unfounded.
Casting Doubt Through Careful Wording
New bullet points argue that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based. The phrasing implies research gaps in infant vaccination studies. Specialists describe this as a tactic designed to create doubt. Alison Singer from the Autism Science Foundation stresses that science relies on consistent, clear results. She says researchers cannot prove an absolute negative. She notes that all high-quality studies reach the same conclusion.
Singer explains that data overwhelmingly show vaccines do not cause autism. Her foundation states that no environmental factor has been more thoroughly studied than vaccines and their components.
Scientific Community Pushes Back
Pediatrician Paul Offit also rejects the site’s new claims. He reminds readers that science cannot prove “never.” He warns that the same logic could wrongly cast suspicion on everyday foods. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services says the CDC site will reflect strong scientific evidence.
A senior FDA commissioner told Sanjay Gupta in a recent podcast that he does not believe vaccines cause autism. He says no medicine is entirely risk-free. He warns that absolute statements create mistrust and confuse the public.
Evidence Shows No Connection
The updated CDC page says authorities ignored studies suggesting a link. This is false. Research claiming a connection was either poorly designed or fraudulent. Numerous high-quality studies show no relationship.
A major Danish study in 2019 followed more than 650,000 children. Around 6,500 received an autism diagnosis. Researchers found no difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. This result held across many factors, including family history and exposure to other vaccines. The authors stated clearly that the MMR vaccine does not raise the risk of autism.
Despite its importance, this study is missing from the CDC’s new summary. Instead, the page cites older reviews and raises questions about aluminum. A 2025 Danish study found no link between aluminum in childhood vaccines and 50 health conditions. The CDC page still claims the data deserve further investigation.
The updated site also mentions a federal review into possible autism causes. Singer calls this unnecessary and wasteful. She says strong evidence points to genetic factors in brain development.
The main heading still states that vaccines do not cause autism. A footnote explains it remains due to an agreement made during the health secretary’s confirmation.
A senator confirmed he discussed the issue with the secretary. He stresses that parents need clear information. He says vaccines for measles, polio, and hepatitis B are safe and do not cause autism.
Rising Concerns About Misinformation
Vaccine specialist Peter Hotez says the new page repeats debunked arguments. He refers to past misinformation about MMR shots, thimerosal, and aluminum. He calls the updated content dangerous disinformation. He urges its immediate removal.
A former CDC immunization director wrote that the edits are “a national embarrassment.” He says CDC scientists were not informed. He explains that actions like this contributed to recent resignations. Other experts warn the changes harm public trust in health guidance.
Political Influence Reshapes Vaccine Policy
The updates follow broader efforts by the current administration to challenge long-standing vaccine policies. The health secretary brought in advisers with long records of opposing vaccines. Some have histories of unreliable research or professional discipline. They are now reassessing federal data to support conspiracy-driven claims.
Childhood vaccination rates in the US continue to drop. Diseases like measles and whooping cough are rising again. CDC specialists warned this week that the country may lose its status as free of continuous measles transmission.
