Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism

The Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) strongly affirms that extensive, rigorous, and established scientific evidence shows that vaccines do not cause autism. This conclusion is shared across other professional medical and scientific societies, including the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (pids.org), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (idsociety.org), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP.org), and the American Medical Association (ama-assn.org), all of which have released similar statements.

On November 19, 2025, content on the CDC web page entitled “Autism and Vaccines” was altered to include misleading and scientifically unfounded claims about vaccines and autism. Although the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (who oversees the CDC) promised during his confirmation hearing not to alter the statement “Vaccines do not cause autism” on the CDC website, the revised content now implies the opposite despite “technically” not altering this original phrase. Furthermore, these changes were made without the input of CDC scientific and professional staff.

This messaging is dangerous and undermines scientific integrity, erodes public trust, and places parents in an unfair and confusing position. Ultimately, such information will lead more people to question life-saving vaccines, resulting in more cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, more outbreaks, more severe illnesses, and more preventable deaths.

NIDS stands firmly with the broader medical and scientific community in reassuring parents and caregivers that routine immunizations remain among the safest and most effective tools to keep children healthy. Vaccination is also one of the most powerful ways we, as a community, protect one another—especially those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated. By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines, families help safeguard not only their own children but the health and well-being of our entire community.

Vaccines do not cause autism. Families deserve honesty, clarity, and support – not confusion fueled by misinformation.