Health Secretary Kennedy Alters CDC Vaccine Communication

Washington, D.C. — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed on Thursday that he instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise its language regarding vaccines and autism. The CDC’s website now states that the claim, “vaccines do not cause autism,” is “not an evidence-based claim.” This marks a significant shift from years of consensus in the scientific community.

During an interview with The New York Times, Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, criticized past assertions about vaccine safety. “The whole thing about ‘vaccines have been tested and there’s been this determination made’ is just a lie,” he said. He also revealed that he had discussed the changes with Senator Bill Cassidy, who has publicly maintained that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.

The updated CDC webpage includes the statement that studies have not definitively ruled out a link between infant vaccines and autism. Kennedy’s comments have drawn condemnation from public health experts who argue that these changes contribute to vaccine misinformation.

Senator Cassidy reaffirmed his stance on social media, stating that vaccines are safe and effective. He expressed concern over Kennedy’s decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining trust in public health initiatives.

In response to these changes, Helen Tager-Flusberg, an autism expert at Boston University, criticized the CDC’s shift, calling it a “devastating turn” for the agency and its mission. The new statements reflect Kennedy’s long-held beliefs that challenge decades of established science.

Despite the CDC’s altered language, multiple studies have shown no causal relationship between vaccines and autism. The World Health Organization and other global health agencies continue to assert that vaccines are safe and crucial for public health.

The CDC’s website retains the phrase “vaccines do not cause autism” but now includes an asterisk that indicates this statement remains due to an agreement reached with Senator Cassidy. The dialogue surrounding vaccines has intensified, and experts worry that these changes could undermine confidence in immunization programs.

As the CDC faces increasing scrutiny, former officials and scientists express concern over the agency’s direction under Kennedy’s leadership. They fear that the latest modifications will further fuel vaccine hesitancy, posing risks to public health.