SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released the following statement from Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in response to changes made on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website making unfounded claims regarding vaccines and autism:
“In Illinois, we follow scientific evidence, and the science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives. Unfortunately, the nation is seeing our federal government, once again, reject established research and cause confusion about long debunked claims between autism and vaccines. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website was changed to add inaccurate information linking vaccines to autism.
“More than 40 high-quality studies, involving millions of individuals, have shown no link between vaccines and autism. At the same time, both real-world experience and decades of research confirm that vaccines safely and reliably prevent diseases like Measles, Influenza, Chickenpox, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, and more. Without vaccination, these infections can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, paralysis, and death.
“Disinformation not only undermines trust; it may discourage families from seeking the protection that routine immunizations provide. It also perpetuates harmful stigma against individuals with autism and their families, while doing nothing to advance scientific understanding. People with autism are valued members of our communities, and they deserve our respect.
“In Illinois, we remain committed to evidence-based practices and credible, transparent communication. For more information about vaccines, visit the IDPH Immunization page or ask your healthcare provider.”