Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease Statement on Inaccurate Claims About Vaccine Safety and Autism

September 22, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) released the following statement in response to harmful and inaccurate claims made today about vaccines and autism:

“The science is clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. Decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research involving millions of children around the world have found no link between vaccination and autism spectrum disorder. Suggesting otherwise only spreads confusion, wastes resources, and undermines trust in tools that keep Americans healthy.

“These false claims are dangerous, particularly from those in positions of influence. They discourage parents from protecting their children against serious infectious diseases and distract from the very real need to invest in legitimate autism research, services, and support. America’s health depends on accurate, evidence-based communication.

“We urge policymakers to ensure public discussions on health are grounded in science and to hold accountable those who spread misinformation. Robust vaccination rates against infectious illnesses are foundational to efforts to improve America’s health. As recent measles outbreaks demonstrate, eroding public confidence in vaccines will set back health in America and cause avoidable illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.

“People with questions about vaccines should turn to their personal doctors or pediatricians, who know their health and can provide the best guidance for protecting themselves and their children. Americans want and deserve accurate information and access to proven preventative measures like vaccines." 

Click here to learn more:

• Video: MMR & Autism Myths

• Report: New 24-Year Study of 1.2 Million Children Shows Vaccines Do Not Raise Risk of Autism

• Fact Sheet: Protecting Generations from Measles, Mumps, and Rubella