CDC Alters Vaccine-Autism Stance, Breaching Key Pledge Made by Health Secretary RFK Jr.

Washington D.C. – Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reportedly breached critical pledges made to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) during his confirmation process, most notably through recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website regarding the link between vaccines and autism. The alterations to the CDC's long-standing position have drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about the integrity of public health information. As journalist Annie Karni noted in a recent tweet, "> All of the pledges that Cassidy got from RFK on vaccines that have been breached or broken all together."

During his Senate confirmation in February 2025, Kennedy secured Senator Cassidy's crucial vote by promising to maintain the CDC's clear stance that vaccines do not cause autism and to uphold the independence of vaccine safety systems. Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate’s health committee, publicly outlined these commitments, emphasizing their importance for public trust in federal health agencies. His support was pivotal in Kennedy's contentious confirmation as Health Secretary.

However, in November 2025, the CDC's website was updated to reflect a more ambiguous position on the vaccine-autism link, contradicting its previous unequivocal statements. While the heading "Vaccines do not cause autism" remains, an asterisk now leads to a note explaining that this statement was retained "due to agreement with the chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee that it would remain on the CDC website." This subtle yet significant change has been interpreted by critics as an attempt to align the agency's public-facing information with Kennedy's long-held skepticism about vaccine safety.

Beyond the CDC website, Kennedy also reportedly breached a promise to maintain the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) "without changes." In June 2025, he dismissed all 17 members of the ACIP and appointed new individuals, some of whom have been criticized for lacking relevant scientific expertise or holding anti-vaccine sentiments. This move further fueled concerns among public health advocates and lawmakers about the politicization of vaccine policy.

The reported breaches have elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) accused Kennedy of lying to Senator Cassidy, calling for his resignation. Medical groups and public health leaders have condemned the changes, warning of potential dangers to public health and the erosion of trust in scientific institutions. Former CDC officials have expressed dismay, with one stating that the changes marked "the day CDC died."