CDC Will Investigate Link Between Vaccines and Autism

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 with the issue told Reuters.

The study has not been confirmed, and it is unclear how the study will be carried out, the outlet reported.

A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Friday, "The American people expect high quality research and transparency and that is what CDC is delivering."

"As President [Donald] Trump said in his Joint Address to Congress, the rate of autism in American children has skyrocketed. CDC will leave no stone unturned in its mission to figure out what exactly is happening," the HHS spokesperson said.

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," the agency's site says.

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"Historically, the agency has maintained that no such connection exists, citing robust but outdated studies," she said.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."

Saphier added, "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."

In his recent op-ed on the measles outbreak, published by Fox News Digital, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wrote, in part, "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.