CDC to launch study into vaccines and autism, possible links: report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in the process of launching a large study into possible links between autism and vaccines, sources familiar told Reuters.
The study has not been confirmed, and it is unclear how the study will be carried out, the outlet reported.
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC for comment.
The CDC acknowledges there is parental concern about possible connections between autism and vaccines.
"To date, the studies continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder]. CDC knows some parents and others still have concerns," reads the agency's site.
For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital the decision to launch research into a potential link is a "notable shift, likely spurred by ongoing public debate and pressure for transparency."
"Historically, the agency has maintained that no such connection exists, citing robust, but outdated studies," she said.
"This move could signal an effort to address persistent skepticism, though it's bound to reignite controversy."
"The outcome hinges on the study's design — rigorous, unbiased and transparent methodology will be key to settling the science, one way or another. Whether the results will sway anyone's predetermined opinion on the matter, however, is the biggest unknown," Saphier added.
In his recent op-ed on the measles outbreak, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wrote, "…we have a shared responsibility to protect public health. This includes ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated."
"We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them," Kennedy added.
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Currently the CDC says there are 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the United States. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. in 2025. Passenger with measles travels through SLC airport, determined low risk for spread met with Dr. Andrew Pavia, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and chief of hospital epidemiology at Primary Children's Hospital, to learn more about the vaccine and its effectiveness, as well as break down some myths. 'We've seen an unprecedented amount of measles in the country this year, so we've just been waiting for it to arrive in Utah, ' he said. '…We've been preparing for it. Now, with this exposure in Saint George, it's likely that there will be more cases. Many people have never seen measles, even their parents may not have seen it. It's a pretty bad disease — and when we say childhood illness, we think of something like chickenpox, where kids are uncomfortable for two or three days, and that's it. 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It has been studied in placebo-controlled trials, and every time it's been tweaked or improved slightly, the new version has been compared to the old one,' Dr. Pavia said. 'It's very, very safe by the standards of any medicine you want to look at. That's not to say there aren't some side effects. Kids, not uncommonly, can get a fever after the MMR vaccine. They can also get a rash 1 to 2 weeks out, or some joint aches. It's a little bit more common in adults who get it, but serious complications of this vaccine are extraordinarily rare and rarer than with most other vaccines.' One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC. The CDC says that although some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if exposed to the viruses, their symptoms will generally be milder, and they will be less likely to spread the disease. The CDC said that the MMR vaccine has been thoroughly studied in the United States and other countries and no link between autism and the MMR vaccine has been found. Although the vaccine, like medicine, can have side effects, these are typically mild and go away on their own. 'There are no long-term consequences of the MMR vaccine and it's been incredibly well-studied because of the concerns people have raised,' Dr Pavia. said. 'There are over 20 studies looking at whether or not there's any connection to autism. That's a common thing that's brought up, and these studies done in many different countries have showed absolutely no link. With a serious disease and a very good vaccine, if you're going to pick one vaccine to get this summer, it should be the one.' Some may believe getting measles and developing natural immunity is safer than getting the vaccine, however, say otherwise, as natural infection comes with more risks. Dr. Pavia explained getting the disease from natural infection is more dangerous with serious cases leading to the hospital, death, or brain damage. 'If none of those things happen, you're going to be miserable, or your child's going to be miserable for four to eight days,' Dr. Pavia said. '… If I had a good vaccine to offer for rattlesnake bites, would you say it's better to get bitten by a rattlesnake and develop some immunity to the venom or to get a vaccine?' Both recent brushes with measles in Utah were related to travel, which we will be seeing more of this summer. Dr. Pavia said now is a good time to think about getting your kids vaccinated and protected. 'Utahns are going to be traveling with their kids this summer, going to places where there's even more measles. Of course, Utah's an important destination for people during the summer, so we can expect more importations, more people showing up in Utah with measles. 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