CDC clarifies stance on vaccines and autism, stating no evidence supports the link
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its webpage on autism and vaccines on Wednesday, stating a link between the two has been ignored despite many studies finding no such link.
For years, the federal health agency had worked to combat misinformation and disinformation spread about an alleged association between autism and various vaccines or their ingredients.
A previous version of the webpage reads, "Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No links have been found between any vaccine ingredients and ASD."
CDC to study vaccines and autism, despite several studies already finding no link
However, the current version of the webpage reflects previous claims made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. despite numerous existing studies showing no association.
It now states, "The claim 'vaccines do not cause autism' is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism."
The webpage claims studies supporting a link "have been ignored by health authorities" and that HHS is conducting a "comprehensive assessment of the causes of autism."'
