The US Centers for Disease Control will conduct a study on the effect of vaccines on autism risk
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced plans to conduct a large-scale study into the possible link between vaccinations and the development of autism. The decision comes amid a nationwide measles outbreak that has already caused more than 200 cases and two deaths in Texas and New Mexico. About this informs Reuters.
Experts attribute the increase in the number of patients to a drop in vaccination rates, which was the result of the spread of misinformation that vaccinations can cause harm. Anti-vaccination sentiments, in particular doubts about the safety of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) combined vaccine, were repeatedly expressed by the US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The day before, during the government meeting, he stated that the increase in the number of measles cases is a normal situation and does not require additional attention, while not mentioning the importance of vaccinations in preventing the disease.
The CDC in its statement emphasized that the organization intends to provide a clear answer to all questions related to vaccination, its effectiveness and possible risks.
“CDC will leave no question unanswered in its mission to find out exactly what’s going on.” – says the center’s official statement.
At the same time, a number of scientists express concern that the very fact of conducting such a study may increase skepticism about vaccination.
“It sends a signal that there’s something out there that’s worth investigating, that there might be a link between vaccines and autism. It’s just going to add to parents’ misplaced fears.” Wilbur Chen, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a former member of the CDC’s vaccine advisory group, noted.
Despite numerous scientific studies that have previously found no link between vaccination and autism, the issue remains a matter of debate. Experts emphasize that such statements can negatively affect the vaccination rate, which is already declining, creating the conditions for new outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases.
