The US CDC’s changed communication on the subject of vaccinations and autism has increased skepticism among the population. This is shown by a study by the University of Vienna, which was published in the journal “Science”.
Vaccine skepticism was increased by the US health authority CDC.Image: AP LaPresse
Although there is scientific consensus that vaccinations are not linked to autism, the US CDC changed its official communication on this in the fall of 2025. Instead, she emphasized that such a connection cannot be ruled out. A research team now shows in an online survey published in the journal “Science” that this changed information increases vaccine and scientific skepticism.
The researchers examined the consequences of this changed communication in an online study with around 3,000 participants in the USA. Two groups were given different versions of the CDC homepage: one group was given the earlier version of the CDC announcement, which denied a connection between vaccinations and autism, and the other was given the new version. A third group received no relevant information.
For the researchers, the results are clear: those who read the updated, modified communication believed side effects from vaccinations were more likely, had more concerns about vaccination safety and were less willing to be vaccinated.
Promoting anti-science thinking
This also triggered a loss of trust in the US health authority. In addition, anti-scientific ways of thinking are promoted that promote disinformation, for example through selective citing of studies, unrealistic demands for evidence or conspiracy-like thinking.
The research team therefore recommends that important changes in health messages be documented transparently, carefully aligned with the evidence and – if possible – check in advance how they will be understood by the population. It is not about fundamentally keeping quiet about scientific uncertainty. The key is to communicate it in a way that matches the actual evidence – especially on topics on which there is already a broad scientific consensus. (dab/sda/apa)
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