On November 19, 2025, the CDC webpage “Autism and Vaccines” was updated suggesting that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not based on evidence. Vaccinate Your Family is deeply concerned by the agency’s actions and removal of clear, evidence-based language stating that vaccines do not cause autism. This reversal abandons decades of rigorous science, examining the experiences of children across the globe, that have time and time again found that vaccines do not cause autism.
False statements, like suggesting vaccines cause autism, are dangerous. At a time when our nation is facing growing vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, like measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza (flu), parents and caregivers need clear guidance to help make decisions about vaccines. Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to protect our children’s health. Read more about the safety of vaccines here.
When it comes to autism, no potential cause has been studied more extensively than vaccines, and more than 30 years of research in the United States and around the world consistently shows that vaccines do not cause autism.
“It is absolutely definitive. There is no link between autism and vaccines. Zero. None,” said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and population health at Stanford Medicine and Vaccinate Your Family Board Member.
Read more about vaccine research here.
Walking back the facts about vaccines and autism does not serve families. These actions risk rolling back decades of progress saving lives from vaccine-preventable diseases.
We, with our partners like Autism Science Foundation, urge federal leaders to restore science-driven communication immediately and reaffirm their commitment to protecting children through accurate and trusted vaccine information. Read more about Autism Science Foundation’s response here.