VYF Response to White House Announcement on Autism
The science is clear: vaccines do not cause autism. This fact is supported by decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research involving millions of children worldwide.
On Monday, September 22, President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. made announcements suggesting that taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy causes autism, that a medicine derived from folate can be used to treat symptoms of autism, and alluded to a belief that vaccines may also play a role.
Additionally, President Trump promoted disproven theories on childhood immunization timing and vaccine ingredients. The continued sowing of mistrust in vaccines by America’s leaders creates confusion and doubt for parents. No new evidence was presented. Medical experts continue to agree: vaccines and their ingredients are safe, do not cause autism, and are effective at preventing severe health outcomes and even death.
Read more about vaccines and their ingredients: https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/questions-about-vaccines/whats-in-a-vaccine/
Vaccinate Your Family stands with our partners who have spent decades working to understand autism, support families, and keep us all safe from preventable diseases. Many groups have issued statements sharing critical information in response to this announcement – here are a few:
Autism Science Foundation: ‘Announcement Distracts From Urgent Work Needed”
In response to the announcement, Autism Science Foundation (ASF) issued a statement:
“The Autism Science Foundation strongly supports research into autism’s causes. More research needs to be done before alarming families or suggesting steps that may not actually reduce risk, when we know that NOT treating a fever during pregnancy creates risk. Pregnant women deserve clear, evidence-based guidance – not incomplete conclusions that could erode confidence in safe, beneficial care.”
“For many years, RFK and President Trump have shared their belief that vaccines cause autism, but this is also not supported by the science, which has shown no relationship between vaccines and autism.”
— Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer, ASF
Read full statement: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/press_releases/asf-statement-wh-briefing/
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Spacing Out Vaccines Puts Children at Risk”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also responded to these claims, warning that delaying or spacing out vaccines can leave children vulnerable:
“Spacing out or delaying vaccines means children will not have immunity against these diseases at times when they are most at risk.”
— AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP
“Studies have repeatedly found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism. This research, in many countries, involving thousands of individuals, has spanned multiple decades.”
— AAP Statement
Read full statement: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/33405/AAP-Dangerous-claims-about-causes-of-autism
Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease: “False Claims Undermine Public Health”
The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) echoed these concerns, stating:
“The science is clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. Suggesting otherwise only spreads confusion, wastes resources, and undermines trust in tools that keep Americans healthy.”
— PFID Statement
Read full statement: https://www.fightinfectiousdisease.org/post/partnership-to-fight-infectious-disease-statement-on-inaccurate-claims-about-vaccine-safety-and-auti
Autism Society of America: “Research Should Be Driven by Evidence, Not Blame”
The Autism Society of America emphasized the importance of scientific integrity and respect for Autistic individuals:
“Premature claims like the association with acetaminophen risk retraumatizing autistic individuals and families, stigmatizing mothers, and diverting attention from what truly matters: ensuring Autistic people have access to the supports they need across their lifespan.”
“The Autism Community has endured decades of shifting theories and misplaced blame. Reviving these unfounded claims risks repeating those harms. What we need is a commitment to inclusive healthcare, education, employment, and lifelong supports.”
— Danielle Hall, Director of Health Equity at the Autism Society of America
Read full statement: https://autismsociety.org/autism-research-should-be-driven-by-evidence-not-blame/
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The U.S. will not continue to be a public health leader without rigorously developed public health policy. The American people deserve transparency and gold standard science to inform our immunization schedules and our approach to autism research – not press announcements based on individual belief and political motivation.
Get the facts about autism and vaccines.