The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its website to reflect a new position regarding the possible connection between vaccines and autism.
Previously, the CDC webpage stated, “Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” citing a 2013 CDC study.
The agency acknowledged that the phrase “‘vaccines do not cause autism'” has been “historically disseminated” by the CDC and other federal health organisations as a measure to combat vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccination compliance.
Now, the CDC has updated its website with a statement: “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.”
The website also states that “studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a “comprehensive assessment” to investigate potential causes of autism, CDC said. As part of the assessment, investigations explored “plausible biologic mechanisms and potential causal links” to better understand the factors that might contribute to autism.
The header “‘Vaccines do not cause autism'” is still featured on the CDC webpage, but it includes an asterisk explaining that it was retained due to a prior agreement rather than because the “evidence supports it.”
Based on reports, the agreement was with Louisiana’s Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
The update on the CDC’s website has provoked a mix of reactions from many experts.
“Finally, the CDC is beginning to acknowledge the truth about this condition that affects millions, disavowing the bold, long-running lie that ‘vaccines do not cause autism,” Children’s Health Defense in New Jersey, said.
For Clinical Associate Professor, Dr Jake Scott, “This revision represents political pressure overriding scientific consensus.” He also called the update “a dangerous precedent for evidence-based medicine.”
Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), also spoke out against the changes.
“The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: there’s no link between vaccines and autism. Anyone repeating this harmful myth is misinformed or intentionally trying to mislead parents.”
“The American Academy of Pediatrics stands with members of the autism community who have asked for support in stopping this rumour from spreading any further.”