The Centers for Disease Control recently changed bullet points on its vaccine safety web page. Under “key points,” the CDC states, “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 second bullet point states that “Studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities.”
Welcome to the brave new world of science and medicine brought to you by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy is not a doctor or a scientist, but he has made a career out of trafficking—and profiting—from conspiracy theories and medical quackery. Normally, such pronouncements would be relegated to the fringes of social media, but because of his last name and his appointment by Trump to a cabinet position, his words have impact.
Take the assertion that studies have “not ruled out” a potential link between vaccines and autism. That is asking science to disprove a negative. Here is what the American Medical Association said:
“Despite recent changes to the CDC website, an abundance of evidence from decades of scientific studies shows no link between vaccines and autism. Extensive and rigorous studies consistently show that vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against serious illness.”
So, under Kennedy’s logic, the fact that no link has been found means there could be one; it’s just that no one has found it yet. There is also no connection between autism and baby diapers, but gosh, I guess there could be.
Notably, the CDC’s website also includes a footnote that reads, “Vaccines do not cause autism.” That remains on the site due to the insistence of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R, Louisiana), who is chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education and Pensions Committee and a medical doctor. Cassidy insisted the statement remain on the site in order to gain his vote for Kennedy’s confirmation.
So, the CDC is not only highlighting scientifically misleading information but also providing conflicting medical advice. Not exactly helpful for parents who are trying to make sound medical decisions for their children.
This is all the result of having an unqualified conspiracy theorist in control of the highest federal government health institution. As the Wall Street Journal opined, “Who decided to have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. home alone at the Health and Human Services Department? Without adults to supervise the Secretary, he’s damaging public trust in immunizations, and now the Centers for Disease Control has been conscripted into his anti-vaccine campaign.”
Childhood vaccines are universally regarded as among the greatest life-saving advances in history. The respected medical publication The Lancet published a comprehensive study last year finding that since 1974, “vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million among children younger than five years” around the world.
But, as always, if parents are confused or concerned about vaccinating their children, they can talk to their pediatrician. A face-to-face conversation will help parents separate the wheat from the chaff about vaccines.
In the meantime, there should be an updated advisory in all caps at the top of the CDC’s main vaccine page that reads, “WARNING: FOLLOWING MEDICAL ADVICE FROM SECRETARY KENNEDY MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.”