The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—which falls under the purview of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—is planning to study potential connections between vaccines and autism, Reuters reported Friday, a link Kennedy has controversially pushed in the past.
A view of the sign of Center for Disease Control headquarters is seen in Atlanta, Georgia, United ... [+]
Two unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Reuters of the planned study, though it was unclear whether Kennedy, a known-vaccine skeptic who has pushed the conspiracy that autism is linked to vaccination, is involved.
The CDC’s page on frequently asked questions about autism—which was last updated on Nov. 5, 2024—states that, “to date, the studies continue to show that vaccines are not associated with” autism spectrum disorder.
There have been a number of scientific studies done in the past that have shown no connection between vaccination and autism, but 20 years ago, Kennedy emerged as the most prominent figure pushing the conspiracy.
Forbes has reached out to the CDC for comment.
This story is developing and will be updated.
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Exclusive: US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say (Reuters)
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