US CDC Website Aligns with RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Views on Autism Link, Reversing Decades of Science

US CDC Shifts Vaccine Stance, Aligns with RFK Jr. on Autism Link, Drawing Controversy

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made a significant and controversial alteration to the vaccine safety section of its website. On November 19, the agency updated its content to reflect the perspective of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting a potential link between childhood vaccines and autism. This move directly contradicts decades of established scientific research affirming vaccine safety.

A Dramatic Reversal of Scientific Consensus

Previously, the CDC's website explicitly stated that “studies have shown there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder.” The updated language now reads, “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.” Furthermore, the revised text asserts that health authorities have “ignored” studies purportedly supporting such a connection.

This dramatic shift comes as vaccine skeptic Mr. Kennedy and US President Donald Trump have taken office, signaling a reevaluation of the agency's long-standing pro-vaccine stance. The CDC has indicated it will reexamine existing data, despite having historically endorsed the use of life-saving childhood vaccines both domestically and internationally.

Global Health Bodies Reiterate No Link

International health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have consistently maintained that a robust and extensive body of evidence confirms childhood vaccines do not cause autism. In a statement from September, the WHO reiterated, “Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited.” When questioned about the CDC's website changes on November 20, these agencies pointed back to their previous, unwavering statements.

Internal Contradictions and Political Influence

Intriguingly, the web page still retains the header “Vaccines do not cause autism.” This is reportedly due to an agreement with Senator Bill Cassidy, chairman of the US Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labour and Pensions. Mr. Kennedy had previously secured Senator Cassidy's endorsement, in part by pledging not to alter the CDC's specific language regarding vaccines and autism. However, beneath this heading, the website now implies that the CDC and other US health agencies have promoted the view that vaccines don't cause autism primarily to prevent vaccine hesitancy.

Expert Outcry and Leadership Changes

The repercussions of these changes are significant. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who resigned as head of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in August, labeled the website alterations a “public health emergency.” He starkly warned on X, “The weaponization of the voice of CDC is getting worse… CDC has been updated to cause chaos without scientific basis. DO NOT TRUST THIS AGENCY.”

Earlier in 2025, Mr. Kennedy also fired the CDC’s former director, Susan Monarez, over disagreements on vaccine policy. The agency is currently led by acting director Jim O’Neill, who also serves as deputy HHS secretary and is not a scientist. The anti-vaccine advocacy group Children’s Health Defense, previously led by Mr. Kennedy, has openly praised the website updates, claiming the CDC is now “beginning to acknowledge the truth” about autism and disavowing what they called “the bold, long-running lie that ‘vaccines do not cause autism.’”

Understanding Autism and Scientific Evidence

Mr. Kennedy has been a vocal proponent of linking vaccines to autism and has sought to overhaul the nation's immunization policies. President Trump has also made unsubstantiated claims, linking autism to pregnant women taking pain medication like Tylenol, a claim similarly lacking scientific backing.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurological and developmental condition characterized by atypical behaviors, communication, social interaction, and learning patterns. While the precise causes of autism remain unclear, rigorous scientific studies have consistently found no credible links between autism and vaccines, specific medications, or components such as thimerosal or formaldehyde.