The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed that childhood vaccines do not cause autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This follows a fresh review by the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), which examined 31 major studies published between January 2010 and August 2025. Last month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adjusted its website wording, which some argued weakened its earlier, science-backed position that vaccines are not linked to autism. The WHO has now made its stance clear.

Years of research consistently show no causal relationship between vaccinations and autism or other developmental conditions. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long promoted anti-vaccine views, has repeatedly claimed vaccines contribute to autism, despite evidence to the contrary. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus clarified in a Geneva press conference that vaccines do not cause autism.

WHO Rejects Claims Of Link Between Vaccines And Autism

“Today, WHO is releasing a new analysis by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, which concludes, based on all available evidence, that vaccines are not linked to autism,” said Tedros, as per the official WHO report. The committee reviewed 31 studies conducted across multiple countries over 15 years, looking at vaccines containing thiomersal—a preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in multi-dose vials—and aluminium adjuvants.

“The review found no evidence connecting vaccines, including those with aluminium or thiomersal, to autism,” Tedros added. “This is the fourth review of its kind, following similar evaluations in 2002, 2004, and 2012, all of which reached the same conclusion: vaccines do not cause autism. Like any medical product, vaccines can have side effects, which WHO monitors carefully, but autism is not one of them.”

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD usually refers to Autism Spectrum Disorder, a developmental condition that affects communication, social skills, and behavior, with a wide range of symptoms. It can also mean Atrial Septal Defect, a congenital heart condition characterized by a hole in the upper chambers of the heart. Context is important: the first is neurological, the second cardiac, according to the CDC.

RFK Jr Blames Vaccines For Causing Autism

Health And Me has previously reported that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has long claimed that vaccines are responsible for autism. He has cited the rising autism diagnoses over recent decades—from about 1 in 150 children in 2000 to roughly 1 in 36 today—as evidence of vaccine harm. However, multiple studies have debunked this, showing that increased awareness, better screening, and broader diagnostic definitions that include milder forms of autism largely explain the rise. Kennedy’s assertions have been widely criticized by health authorities and autism advocacy groups.

According to the CDC, about half of parents surveyed who have autistic children believe that vaccines may have contributed to their child’s autism. This statistic comes from a 2006 survey published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. The CDC explains that these vaccines are typically those administered within the first six months of life—such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), Hepatitis B (HepB), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), inactivated Poliovirus (IPV), and Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)—as well as one given at or after the child’s first birthday, the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

No Link Between Vaccine And Autism

The supposed connection between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism originated from a flawed 1998 study, later retracted for using falsified data. Its findings were never replicated and have been thoroughly refuted by extensive research. “The study was shown to be fraudulent and withdrawn, but the notion it created has persisted,” said Tedros.

Kennedy has a long record of promoting questionable claims, which have become central to his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, a notable element of President Trump’s broader Make America Great Again coalition. The recent CDC website changes sparked concern and alarm among career scientists and public health experts, including those within the agency, who have spent years combating misinformation.

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

What Is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.

Common oral herpes symptoms include

• blisters (cold sores)
• open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.

HSV-2 generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Its symptoms include painful

• bumps,
• blisters,
• open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.

How Makeup Testers Can Spread Infection

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

How To Stay Safe?

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:

• Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.
• Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
• Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin
• Use disposable applicators
• Test products on your hand rather than your face
• Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.

April 2 is celebrated worldwide as “Autism Awareness Day” and April as Autism month to create awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society for individuals with autism.

So what exactly is Autism, and why do we need to create a culture of awareness and acceptance?

As per DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, in simple terms, there is poor eye contact, impaired social communication skills, repetitive patterns (certain movements or fixation on certain toys, objects), difficulties with sensory processing - extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs (dislike loud noises, sensitive to touch), etc.

As a child, these individuals may not respond to name-calling, have poor eye contact/lack gestures like pointing, etc., lack imagination in play, and may not be able to relate and respond to the emotions of others. They have set routines and dislike changes to their routines. All this can cause significant disruption to their day-to-day functioning.

This year’s theme of -Autism and Humanity- Every Life has Value” reiterates the need for inclusion of autism, ensuring equitable representation of these individuals. Ensuring that society not only recognizes them but also treats them with equal respect and dignity.

Educational Support and Inclusive Workplace

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was one of the Government's flagship programs, along with Action for Autism, to disseminate information in schools regarding inclusive education for autism. Education is a key foundation to ensure children with autism get suitable opportunities as adults. Special educators, with additional support in schools, can go a long way in ensuring their potential is maximized.

Many IT giants like Microsoft, Google, and SAP encourage tapping the potential of individuals with autism and their exceptional skills. In our country, organizations and NGOs, including Action for Autism, offer training for future employment opportunities.

There is a spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) known as Asperger’s syndrome, and these individuals have normal to above average intelligence and can have some exceptional skills, and the world includes some living examples of these with a higher IQ, some of whom are the most successful and famous personalities. Even on the other end of the spectrum, autistic individuals have exceptional skills, some of which include great attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and lateral out-of-the-box thinking.

Options for flexible working hours (part-time), understanding their need for routines, and explaining them beforehand regarding important changes to schedules can help them adapt better to an otherwise challenging workplace.

The Need For Sensitization

Understanding individuals with autism may need little extra support, being a little flexible with time deadlines, giving simple instructions, especially written/visual ones, and allowing them time to overcome their communication barriers can go a long way in ensuring they feel heard and valued like anyone else in the workplace.

Sensitization of all major organization employees to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness, and an accessible work environment, is the need of the hour. Autistic individuals do well in a variety of job profiles, including IT, technology, finance, art and creativity, and administration.

Environmental modifications like background noise cancellation with headphones help those with sensory processing issues. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect, it's recognizing our special skills and strengthening them.

Possibilities are endless if we wish to encourage and make these individuals heard. So, let’s carry the Autism Awareness Day beyond a mere day of awareness and light it up blue. Let’s value and acknowledge them being different, but also empower them to act on their special skills to earn them a dignified place in society and the workplace.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2. The day is important to raise awareness about autism — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior — affecting millions of people globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 127 people worldwide is diagnosed with the lifelong brain health condition. It is also among the top 10 conditions contributing to health loss globally.

Also Read: Leptospirosis: US health officials flag outbreak risk after floods in Hawaii

The first child diagnosed with autistic symptoms was Donald Grey Triplett. Labelled as Case 1, he went on to become an American banker, demonstrating that, if provided with the right and inclusive support and opportunities individuals with autism be as productive as others.

“Like anyone else, autistic people should be able to shape their own lives — and help to shape our shared future,” said

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

World Autism Awareness Day: Date and History

April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

It stated that "children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children".

World Autism Awareness Day: Theme

This year, World Autism Awareness Day is held under the theme "Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value".

The 2026 theme highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people. While there are international human rights conventions safeguarding the rights of people with autism, they continue to face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to participation.

“Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequalities across the life course," the WHO said. The global health body urged "sustained action and greater investment" to address these challenges. It also called for developing inclusive policies and services that uphold the rights of autistic people.

This year's theme, thus, is a call to action to recognize the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people with autism.

Guterres highlighted the need for "equal education, fair employment, and accessible health systems" for all persons with autism and to provide inclusive opportunities to participate and thrive, along with others.

Also read: Expert Reveals Why Childhood Autism Is Going Undetected In India

What is Autism?

The National Health Service (NHS) UK defines autism as not an illness or a medical condition with treatments or a "cure", but a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, behave, and interact with others.

It is a spectrum, which means "everybody with autism is different".

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interaction, exhibit atypical behavior and activities, or find it hard to communicate.

Early Signs Of Autism

Studies show that symptoms of autism are usually diagnosed within the first 3 years of birth. These include:

• Limited to zero eye contact
• Delayed responses
• Repeating words or actions such as hand-flapping
• Being strong-headed about following the same routine
• Easily annoyed, throws tantrums
• Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions
• Sensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells.