Health and Me

Itisha Arya

RFK Jr. Claims CDC’s Latest Vaccine–Autism Guidance Was Issued Under His Direction

cdc autism claims

Health Secretary Robert F. <span>Kennedy</span> Jr. told The New York Times that he personally instructed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise its long-standing message that vaccines do not cause autism. His disclosure, published Friday, confirms who was behind the surprising shift that caught many current and former <span>CDC</span> employees off guard earlier in the week.

Kennedy, who has a long history of opposing routine vaccination, has increasingly unsettled the public health agencies he now leads. His recent moves have raised concerns across the medical community, which sees many of his decisions as placing Americans at risk.

<h2>CDC Website Autism Vaccine Claim: What Kennedy Said and What Changed</h2>

In the interview, Kennedy dismissed the CDC’s previous guidance, calling the agency’s long-held position on vaccine safety “a lie.” The CDC’s updated “vaccine safety” page now argues that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” cannot be proven with absolute certainty and implies that officials have disregarded research that hints at a possible link, as per CNN.

This new language conflicts with decades of scientific evidence and goes against the consensus view shared by independent researchers, pediatric groups and global health authorities.

<h2>How the Scientific Community Responded</h2>

Public health experts reacted sharply, warning that the revisions distort how evidence is evaluated in science. Researchers emphasized that while science cannot prove a negative, extensive data can rule out likely causes, and that is what has happened in the case of vaccines and autism, as per CNN.

Autism advocacy groups called the claim misleading. The Autism Science Foundation repeated that vaccines remain one of the most thoroughly investigated environmental factors linked to autism and that research across many countries and large populations has consistently found no association.

<h2>What the Science Actually Shows About Vaccines and Autism</h2>

Scientists have studied vaccines and autism for more than two decades. Large population studies in the United States, Europe and Asia have looked at the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, thimerosal-containing vaccines, and the timing of childhood immunization. Each line of research has reached the same conclusion: vaccines do not cause autism.

These findings have come from independent academic teams, government-funded studies and international health agencies, using different methods, age groups and datasets. Experts say the updated CDC wording misrepresents this evidence and may create unwarranted fear among parents, as per CNN.

Kennedy had previously assured Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate health committee, that he would keep the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” on the CDC website during his confirmation process. While the line remains, it now appears with a disclaimer noting that it was kept there specifically because of their agreement.

Cassidy said he opposed the update after Kennedy informed him of the change. The senator later warned that parents need clear reassurance, not confusion, especially on diseases like measles, polio and hepatitis B, where vaccination is proven to prevent severe illness.

The CDC website change is only one part of a broader shift under Kennedy’s leadership. He has withdrawn half a billion dollars from vaccine development initiatives, removed every member of a federal vaccine advisory panel, and signaled plans to overhaul the national vaccine injury compensation program.

He also dismissed former CDC Director Susan Monarez within weeks of her appointment after policy disagreements.

<span>RFK Jr</span>. Claims About The Vaccine Has Growing Distrust Within Medicine

Leaders in pediatrics and infectious disease warned Thursday that the new website language fuels misinformation rather than clarifying public health advice. Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics called the change “madness” and said it undermines confidence in the nation’s most basic health protections.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

kennedy

rfk jr

Robert F Kennedy Jr

vaccine autism

Azithromycin Warning: Popular Medicine Linked To A Surge in Antibiotic Resistance, Warns Ortho Surgeon

Rebuilding Your Brain Health: 5 Steps You Should Take According To Doctor

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times that he personally instructed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise its long-standing message that vaccines do not cause autism. His disclosure, published Friday, confirms who was behind the surprising shift that caught many current and former CDC employees off guard earlier in the week.Kennedy, who has a long history of opposing routine vaccination, has increasingly unsettled the public health agencies he now leads. His recent moves have raised concerns across the medical community, which sees many of his decisions as placing Americans at risk.CDC Website Autism Vaccine Claim: What Kennedy Said and What ChangedIn the interview, Kennedy dismissed the CDC’s previous guidance, calling the agency’s long-held position on vaccine safety “a lie.” The CDC’s updated “vaccine safety” page now argues that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” cannot be proven with absolute certainty and implies that officials have disregarded research that hints at a possible link, as per CNN.This new language conflicts with decades of scientific evidence and goes against the consensus view shared by independent researchers, pediatric groups and global health authorities.How the Scientific Community RespondedPublic health experts reacted sharply, warning that the revisions distort how evidence is evaluated in science. Researchers emphasized that while science cannot prove a negative, extensive data can rule out likely causes, and that is what has happened in the case of vaccines and autism, as per CNN.Autism advocacy groups called the claim misleading. The Autism Science Foundation repeated that vaccines remain one of the most thoroughly investigated environmental factors linked to autism and that research across many countries and large populations has consistently found no association.What the Science Actually Shows About Vaccines and AutismScientists have studied vaccines and autism for more than two decades. Large population studies in the United States, Europe and Asia have looked at the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, thimerosal-containing vaccines, and the timing of childhood immunization. Each line of research has reached the same conclusion: vaccines do not cause autism.These findings have come from independent academic teams, government-funded studies and international health agencies, using different methods, age groups and datasets. Experts say the updated CDC wording misrepresents this evidence and may create unwarranted fear among parents, as per CNN.A Promise BrokenKennedy had previously assured Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate health committee, that he would keep the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” on the CDC website during his confirmation process. While the line remains, it now appears with a disclaimer noting that it was kept there specifically because of their agreement.Cassidy said he opposed the update after Kennedy informed him of the change. The senator later warned that parents need clear reassurance, not confusion, especially on diseases like measles, polio and hepatitis B, where vaccination is proven to prevent severe illness.A Wider Pattern of DisruptionThe CDC website change is only one part of a broader shift under Kennedy’s leadership. He has withdrawn half a billion dollars from vaccine development initiatives, removed every member of a federal vaccine advisory panel, and signaled plans to overhaul the national vaccine injury compensation program.He also dismissed former CDC Director Susan Monarez within weeks of her appointment after policy disagreements.RFK Jr. Claims About The Vaccine Has Growing Distrust Within MedicineLeaders in pediatrics and infectious disease warned Thursday that the new website language fuels misinformation rather than clarifying public health advice. Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics called the change “madness” and said it undermines confidence in the nation’s most basic health protections.The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.