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CDC Updates Website: Claims Linking Vaccines to Autism Are Not Evidence-Based
The U.S. CDC has updated its website, clarifying that claims linking childhood vaccines to autism are not supported by evidence. The update comes amid renewed public debate fueled by anti-vaccine activists and political figures. Scientific research continues to show no connection between vaccines and autism.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its website on Wednesday, stating that claims suggesting vaccines cause autism are not supported by evidence.
Anti-vaccine activists—along with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump—have repeatedly promoted the theory that childhood vaccines lead to autism, despite extensive scientific research disproving any such link. Previously, the CDC website clearly stated that “studies show no connection between vaccination and autism spectrum disorder.”
However, until Wednesday night, the agency’s site included language saying that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” was “not an evidence-based claim,” adding that studies had not ruled out a link between childhood vaccines and autism. It also suggested that health authorities had “ignored” studies claiming a connection.
In the update, the CDC restored the “Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism” header and clarified the information was not altered because of any agreement with Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Children’s Health Defense—a prominent anti-vaccine group previously led by Kennedy—praised the website changes.
The group posted on X: “CDC is finally beginning to acknowledge the truth about a condition affecting millions, rejecting the long-standing lie that ‘vaccines do not cause autism.’”
Kennedy has repeatedly tried to link vaccines to autism and has pushed for a complete overhaul of the nation’s immunization policies.
Trump has previously claimed—despite a lack of scientific support—that autism is connected to pregnant women taking the pain reliever Tylenol.
Autism is a neurological and developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and learning. Its causes remain unclear, but extensive research has found no association between autism and vaccines, medications, or components such as thimerosal or formaldehyde.
