RFK Jr. says he ordered CDC vaccine–autism webpage change
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times he personally ordered the CDC on Nov. 19 to revise its vaccine–autism webpage to say studies have not definitively ruled out a link, while acknowledging research finding no link to thimerosal or the MMR vaccine but saying gaps remain and more study is needed. The change — which retained a “vaccines do not cause autism” line with a disclaimer noting his pledge to Sen. Bill Cassidy (who called the move “wrong” and “irresponsible”) — comes as Kennedy has pulled $500 million from vaccine development, replaced federal vaccine advisory committee members, fired the CDC director and pushed ACIP to review adjuvants and contaminants, a review HHS says ACIP is conducting independently.
📌 Key Facts
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times he personally directed the CDC to update its vaccine–autism webpage; the CDC revised the page on Nov. 19 to say studies have not definitively ruled out a link between vaccines and autism.
- Kennedy acknowledged studies showing no link between autism and thimerosal or the MMR vaccine but said gaps remain and that more research is needed.
- During his confirmation he pledged to Sen. Bill Cassidy to keep the phrase 'vaccines do not cause autism' on the CDC site; that phrase remains but now carries a disclaimer noting their agreement. Kennedy said he spoke with Cassidy about the change, and Cassidy publicly called the move 'wrong' and 'irresponsible.'
- Kennedy has taken several actions reshaping federal vaccine policy: he cut $500 million from vaccine development, replaced members of the federal vaccine advisory committee (ACIP), pledged to overhaul the federal vaccine injury compensation program, and fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after policy disagreements.
- Kennedy publicly attacked standard vaccine-safety assertions, saying, 'The whole thing about “vaccines have been tested and there’s been this determination made,” is just a lie.'
- ACIP’s upcoming draft agenda includes a formal review of 'adjuvants and contaminants,' and HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard says ACIP is independently reviewing evidence on adjuvants and other vaccine components.
- Kennedy has intensified attacks on aluminum adjuvants and demanded retraction of a large Danish study; the Annals of Internal Medicine refused to retract the study.
📰 Sources (3)
Kennedy sharpens vaccine attacks, without scientific backing
New information:
- CDC updated its vaccine–autism webpage on Nov. 19, stating studies have not definitively ruled out a link (specific timing and wording detail).
- ACIP’s upcoming draft agenda includes a discussion of “adjuvants and contaminants,” elevating the issue for formal review.
- HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard says ACIP is independently reviewing the evidence on adjuvants and vaccine components.
- Kennedy has intensified attacks on aluminum adjuvants and demanded retraction of a large Danish study; Annals of Internal Medicine refused.
RFK Jr. says he personally directed CDC’s new guidance on vaccines and autism
New information:
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times he personally directed the CDC to update its vaccine–autism webpage.
- Kennedy acknowledged studies showing no link between autism and thimerosal or the MMR vaccine, but claimed gaps remain and more research is needed.
- During confirmation, Kennedy pledged to Sen. Bill Cassidy to keep the 'vaccines do not cause autism' statement on the CDC site; the phrase remains with a disclaimer noting their agreement.
- Kennedy said he spoke with Cassidy about the change; Cassidy publicly criticized the move, calling it 'wrong' and 'irresponsible.'
- Context added: Kennedy has pulled $500 million from vaccine development, replaced a federal vaccine advisory committee’s members, pledged to overhaul the federal vaccine injury compensation program, and fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after disagreements over vaccine policy.
- Direct quote from Kennedy: 'The whole thing about “vaccines have been tested and there’s been this determination made,” is just a lie.'