CDC updates webpage to include false autism claims, fueling confusion
Repeated false claims about childhood, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines also gained traction.
Repeated false claims about childhood, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines also gained traction.
On November 19, the CDC updated its webpage on vaccines and autism, adding false information that suggests a possible link between the two. Public health experts and healthcare providers expressed confusion and concern, noting that the changes are not supported by evidence and contradict scientific consensus. Earlier this week, a 2020 podcast clip resurfaced of the now-U.S. health secretary claiming that flu vaccines make you sick, reigniting myths online. An anti-vaccine website also falsely claimed that “over-vaccination” of children causes autism, while social media users alleged that COVID-19 vaccines are “toxic” and linked to widespread serious health issues.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending in vaccine conversation:
This week, the CDC updated its website to promote false claims that childhood vaccines may be linked to autism. The change was reportedly made without the knowledge or input of career CDC scientists, many of whom said they were “blindsided” by the abrupt reversal. Public health experts condemned the update, warning that it will fuel confusion, increase hesitancy, and further erode trust in the agency. As one former CDC official stated, “CDC cannot currently be trusted as a scientific voice.” Vaccine opponents, including the anti-vaccine organization founded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., praised the CDC for “acknowledging the truth.”
A clip from a 2020 podcast has resurfaced several myths about flu vaccines, garnering millions of views since November 15. The clip shows the now-health secretary falsely claiming that flu vaccines weaken the immune system and make people more likely to contract other respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Many popular anti-vaccine accounts shared the clip, apparently believing it was recent. Commenters supported the false claims and suggested that flu vaccines are unnecessary for healthy people.
A November 6 article on an anti-vaccine website falsely claims that children are being “over-vaccinated.” In the article, a former nurse alleges that hospitals are re-administering vaccines to vaccinated children without vaccination records. The article falsely links “over-vaccination” to rising autism rates and criticizes the current childhood vaccine schedule. Responses to the article expressed satisfaction that anti-vaccine claims are gaining mainstream traction. While some users insinuated without evidence that so-called over-vaccinated children are at increased risk of many health issues, others rejected the myth that vaccines cause autism and stressed the importance of childhood vaccines.
Several popular social media posts in recent weeks falsely alleged that COVID-19 vaccines cause severe side effects. These posts, which cite anecdotes and non-credible research, claim that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to widespread health issues, including blindness, stroke, and death. Vaccine opponents promoted the myths that COVID-19 vaccines are “toxic” and caused millions of deaths and that health officials and health care providers concealed the vaccines’ harmful effects.
Read the fact checks:
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Autism and Vaccines: What the Science Really Says
- Public Good News: Don’t let these myths stop you from getting your flu shot
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Too Many Vaccines? What You Should Know
- Science Feedback: How health problems after COVID-19 vaccination are sometimes used to feed misinformation narratives
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Talking points for health care providers to use in response to trending narratives
Each week the Infodemiology.com team will provide talking points and supporting messages in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. Health care providers can use this messaging when discussing vaccines online, talking to patients, or engaging with communities.
Scientific consensus hasn’t changed: Decades of research prove that vaccines do not cause autism.
- The CDC recently updated its website to include false claims that childhood vaccines may be linked to autism.
- In over three decades of research, scientists in the U.S. and worldwide have come to the same conclusion: There’s no link between vaccines and autism.
- Vaccinated children have autism at the same rates as unvaccinated children. Places with high vaccination have the same autism rates as places with low vaccination.
- For reliable information about vaccines and autism, talk to your health care provider or visit trustworthy sites such as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization.
The flu vaccine doesn’t increase your risk of getting the flu or COVID-19.
- Flu vaccines do not weaken the immune system. They strengthen it. Everyone 6 months and older should get a yearly flu vaccine.
- Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu. The flu is especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Getting this season’s flu vaccine gives the best protection against the flu, particularly ahead of holiday travel. The vaccine reduces your risk of catching the flu and spreading it to others. Vaccinated people are at lower risk of severe illness and long-term health effects.
Every recommended vaccine protects children, families, and communities from serious diseases.
- The childhood immunization schedule is based on decades of evidence showing that recommended vaccines are safe and effective.
- Medical and public health experts developed the schedule to protect children and reduce the spread of deadly diseases.
- Vaccination is the only safe way to protect children and prevent outbreaks of diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough.
- Following the recommended vaccination schedule helps ensure that children are protected before they are exposed to dangerous diseases.
- Getting an extra dose of a vaccine is not dangerous and may be recommended for extra protection during outbreaks or for people who are especially vulnerable.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, long COVID, and death.
- Over five years of research—and billions of people vaccinated—show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Serious side effects after COVID-19 vaccination are extremely rare.
- Experts monitor vaccines and investigate all reported safety concerns to ensure they are safe. Stories about alleged side effects are not the same as credible scientific research.
Interested in recommendations tailored to public health professionals? Click here.