AOA statement on CDC website changes regarding autism and vaccines

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), which represents more than 207,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students, is deeply concerned by the recent changes to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine and autism information. While discussions around autism are important, it is equally important to reinforce what decades of research have consistently shown: vaccines do not cause autism.

“Parents deserve clear, science-based information they can rely on,” said AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN. “The medical community has thoroughly examined this question for more than two decades, and the evidence has been unequivocal: vaccines are not linked to autism. Our priority is ensuring families feel supported, informed and protected from misinformation. Vaccines remain one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine, preventing severe illness, disability and death for millions.”

The AOA emphasizes that these claims damage confidence in routine immunizations.

“It is critical that public health messaging remains grounded in scientific consensus,” said AOA CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA. “Families deserve accurate information, not confusion. We urge the CDC to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to evidence-based guidance.”

The AOA will continue to work with lawmakers and the health community to promote evidence-based decision making, and we encourage all families to speak with their physicians about vaccinations and to rely on trusted medical and scientific organizations for accurate information.