Mr. Kennedy does not understand science
Last week, a CDC website dedicated to “Autism and Vaccines” was updated to suggest there is a causal relationship between autism and vaccines. There is no such relationship.
The new language on the website now states, “’Vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim. Scientific studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines contribute to the development of autism.”
For those not familiar to how epidemiological studies work, this might sound rather frightening. Epidemiological studies can never rule out the possibility of any exposure causing a negative outcome. The statement noted above could be said about anything. However, dozens of studies from real scientists across the globe have found no causal association between childhood vaccines and autism.
The wording contained in this updated website statement would never be written by a trained scientist, especially not an epidemiologist. In fact, RFK, Jr. told the New York Times that he personally ordered the language change. Kennedy has no academic or clinical background in medicine, science, medicine or public health.
Dr. Demeter Daskalakis, the former head of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, who resigned earlier this year, stated that “The weaponization of the voice of CDC is getting worse. Do not trust this agency. This is a national embarrassment.”
This is much more than a national embarrassment, it is a serious threat to public health and puts people’s lives at risk. Unfortunately, Kennedy and his anti-vaccine agenda add to the confusion and fear among parents. Many might decide against having their children properly immunized against a host of potential deadly diseases. This is a national public health crisis.