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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its website with a new stance on the possible link between vaccines and autism.
The new text on the CDC site says: “The statement ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based statement because studies have not ruled out the possibility that childhood vaccines cause autism.
“Health authorities have ignored studies that support a link.”
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The agency noted that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” has been “historically spread” by the CDC and other federal health agencies in an effort to prevent vaccine hesitancy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its website with a new stance on the possible link between vaccines and autism. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)
Previously, the CDC page said: “Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a “comprehensive evaluation” of the possible causes of autism, the CDC said.
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These include research into “plausible biological mechanisms and possible causal links.”
The heading “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains on the page, but is followed by an asterisk indicating that it was not removed due to prior agreement and not because evidence supports it.
The agency noted that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” has been “historically spread” by the CDC and other federal health agencies in an effort to prevent vaccine hesitancy. (iStock)
Children’s Health Defense applauded the CDC’s updated webpage.
“Finally, the CDC is beginning to acknowledge the truth about this condition that affects millions, repudiating the bold, long-standing lie that ‘vaccines do not cause autism,'” Mary Holland, president and CEO of Children’s Health Defense in New Jersey, told News Digital.
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“No study has ever demonstrated this irresponsible claim; on the contrary, many studies point to vaccines as the plausible primary cause of autism. Fortunately, HHS has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of the causes of autism, including an investigation of plausible biological mechanisms.”
Other medical organizations have spoken out against the possibility that vaccines contribute to autism. (iStock)
Other medical organizations have spoken out against the possibility that vaccines contribute to autism.
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“Studies have repeatedly found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism,” the American Academy of Pediatrics states on its website.
“Scientists are learning more about the possible causes of autism all the time. One thing we know for sure is that vaccines are not one of the causes. There is no single, fundamental cause of autism.”
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The latest data from the CDC shows that among 8-year-old children (born in 2014), approximately one in 31 (3.2%) was identified with an autism spectrum disorder. In 2000, approximately one in 150 (0.67%) children was diagnosed.
News Digital reached out to doctors and HHS for comment.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team at News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.