CDC reverses its stance, says ‘Vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence-based claim’ | Hindustan Times

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**Revised Title:** CDC Reverses Stance on Autism-Vaccine Link, Sparking Concerns Over Public Health Messaging **Revised Article:** In a surprise move, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its official stance on the link between vaccines and autism. The agency's website now states that the claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not evidence-based, marking a significant departure from its decade-long messaging. The update, made public on November 19, comes as the CDC acknowledges that studies have not ruled out the possibility of a link between infant vaccines and autism. The agency notes that certain studies suggest a correlation between vaccination and autism, which has been "overlooked" by health authorities. The change has sparked concerns among public health experts, who fear that it may undermine trust in vaccines and stall immunization efforts. Vaccination rates in the U.S. are already fragile, and a decline in coverage could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases. The CDC's decision has been linked to the influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic who has repeatedly pushed a link between vaccines and autism. Kennedy, a former chairman of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, has been a vocal critic of vaccine safety. The revision has been met with criticism from public health experts, who argue that it is misleading and scientifically unsound. Dr. Susan J. Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, warned that the CDC is undermining one of the most powerful tools in public health by promoting doubts about vaccine safety. Since 1998, independent researchers have conducted over 40 high-quality studies involving more than 5.6 million people, with a clear and unambiguous conclusion: there is no link between vaccines and autism. The Autism Science Foundation has also expressed alarm, stating that the new statement shows a lack of understanding of the term "evidence." The update has also raised questions about the role of politics in scientific communication. Some current and former CDC officials have reported that they were not consulted before the change, with one former senior leader describing career scientists as "blindsided" by the decision. The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a comprehensive assessment of autism's causes, including biologic mechanisms and possible causal links. However, the move has been seen as a setback for public health efforts, which rely on evidence-based communication to promote vaccine uptake and prevent outbreaks.