Website Changes Prompt Immediate Criticism
The CDC updated major sections of its website on Wednesday, adding language that questions long-settled research on vaccine safety. The new wording implies scientists have not fully dismissed a possible link between vaccines and autism. Experts warn this framing distorts evidence and risks confusing families.
Revised Wording Creates Artificial Doubt
The site now argues that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based because studies cannot rule out every scenario. Specialists say this tactic promotes uncertainty rather than clarity. Alison Singer of the Autism Science Foundation says science cannot prove an absolute negative. She explains that strong conclusions come from large bodies of consistent research.
Singer says overwhelming evidence shows vaccines do not cause autism. Her foundation notes that no environmental factor has been studied more extensively than vaccines and their ingredients.
Medical Leaders Reject the New Claims
Pediatrician Paul Offit sharply criticizes the CDC’s new phrasing. He says this logic could be used to cast doubt on ordinary foods or daily habits. A federal health spokesperson says the website will ultimately reflect the strongest available science.
A senior FDA commissioner recently told Sanjay Gupta that he does not believe vaccines cause autism. He says no medical product is fully risk-free and warns that extreme or absolute wording can weaken public trust.
Decades of Research Show No Link
The updated CDC page claims research supporting a link has been ignored. This is false. Studies suggesting a connection were discredited or exposed as fraudulent. Many rigorous studies show no relationship.
A large Danish study in 2019 tracked more than 650,000 children. About 6,500 later received autism diagnoses. Researchers found no difference in autism rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. This remained true across family histories and other vaccines. The authors concluded the MMR vaccine does not increase autism risk.
The revised CDC page does not include this study. It highlights older reviews and raises questions about aluminum. A Danish study from 2025 found no link between aluminum in childhood vaccines and 50 medical conditions, including autism. The updated page still calls for further investigation.
The site also cites a government review of autism causes. Singer says this misdirects resources and ignores strong genetic evidence behind most cases.
The main heading still says “Vaccines do not cause autism.” A footnote explains that it remains due to an agreement made during the health secretary’s confirmation process.
A senator confirmed discussing the issue with the secretary. He says parents need clear guidance and stresses that vaccines for major childhood diseases are safe and do not cause autism.
Experts Warn of Rising Health Risks
Vaccine researcher Peter Hotez says the updated page repeats claims disproven many times. He references past misinformation on MMR vaccines, thimerosal, and aluminum. He calls the new content dangerous and urges its removal.
A former CDC immunization director wrote that the changes are “a national embarrassment.” He says staff were blindsided and warns that such moves deepen mistrust. Pediatric specialists fear further drops in vaccination rates.
Political Forces Shape the Revisions
The edits mirror wider efforts by the administration to challenge established vaccine policy. The health secretary has appointed advisers known for opposing vaccines. Some have faced sanctions or criticism for unreliable or unethical research. They now analyze federal data to support claims of hidden vaccine risks.
Routine childhood vaccination rates continue to fall across the country. Outbreaks of measles and whooping cough are rising. CDC disease experts warned this week that the United States may soon lose its status as a nation free of continuous measles transmission.
