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AAP Speaks Out After CDC Links Vaccines and AutismÂ
On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its website to falsely state that a link between vaccines and autism cannot be ruled out, reversing the CDC's longstanding stance that the evidence is clear that no such link exists. Medical groups, including the AAP, swiftly came out against the change, condemning the promotion of false and misleading information.
"We call on the CDC to stop wasting government resources to amplify false claims that sow doubt in one of the best tools we have to keep children healthy and thriving: routine immunizations," said AAP President Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, in a statement. Dr. Kressly's statement was quoted in the Associated Press and NPR, among others, and amplified on social media. Read more from AAP News.
The AAP also led a statement with over 60 other medical, health and patient advocacy and autism groups expressing alarm over the CDC's change in language. The statement notes: "Medical researchers across the globe have spent more than 25 years thoroughly studying this claim. All have come to the same conclusion: Vaccines are not linked to autism." Read the full statement here.
AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases Chair Sean O'Leary, MD, FAAP, joined the president of the Autism Science Foundation, Alison Singer, in a virtual press briefing to further debunk the claims. This Washington Post article has more, as does this NBC News piece.
The AAP recently published a Fact Checked resource debunking the claim that vaccines are linked to autism. The fact check contains key facts and evidence to debunk the misinformation commonly circulated about vaccines and autism.
The AAP will continue to advocate for vaccine access and promote evidence-based vaccine information for families.