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CDC Updates Website on Vaccine-Autism Claims

The CDC updates its website to say claims that vaccines don't cause autism lack evidence. Is this a long-overdue clarification of the scientific record, or dangerous misinformation undermining proven vaccine safety?
    CDC Updates Website on Vaccine-Autism Claims
    Above: The CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Image credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg/Getty Images

    The Spin

    Establishment-critical narrative

    After years of dismissive messaging, the CDC has acknowledged what many parents have long suspected: There is no conclusive scientific evidence proving that vaccines do not cause autism. The agency’s prior claims often blurred a critical distinction — failing to find evidence of a link is not the same as proving no link exists. With more than 100 peer-reviewed studies suggesting a possible link between vaccines and autism having been largely ignored or downplayed, health authorities are finally being forced to confront the legitimacy of these concerns.

    Pro-establishment narrative

    For more than twenty years, the scientific evidence has been unequivocal: extensive, peer-reviewed research — including large-scale studies involving entire populations — has repeatedly and consistently shown no link between vaccines and autism. The CDC's recent website changes ignore a global scientific consensus built on millions of data points, reflecting dangerous misinformation that threatens public health by undermining trust in safe, effective vaccines that protect communities from preventable diseases.

    Metaculus Prediction

    There's a 15% chance that the World Health Organization will announce a non-H5N1 pandemic before Jan. 1, 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



    The Controversies



    Establishment split

    CRITICAL

    PRO

    More neutral establishment stance articles



    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

    All rights reserved.

    Version 6.18.0