The CDC is backing research into the often-debated notion that vaccines might cause autism. This has drawn some eyes, especially with the government announcing a funding opportunity.
Despite multiple extensive studies showing no connection between autism and vaccines, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, continues to advocate for the idea that there could be a link.
Kennedy has committed to releasing a report this month that aims to outline the causes of autism. However, FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry mentioned that HHS hasn’t actually begun drafting this report yet.
On Thursday, the CDC announced it intends to award a fixed-price contract to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, to explore “the association between vaccination and autism prevalence.” The exact funding amount hasn’t been disclosed.
While RPI is set to receive this award, other academic institutions can apply for grants during a 15-day application period, though the Trump administration won’t need to entertain competing bids.
The CDC noted that RPI is uniquely positioned to link children with their mothers using its proprietary database, enabling intricate statistical analyses within the project’s timeframe.
An RPI spokesperson expressed gratitude for the CDC’s intention to provide funding to the university.
Juergen Hahn, who heads RPI’s Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Research, is recognized for his studies on autism spectrum disorders, including various risk factors associated with these conditions.
The university indicated that Hahn is respected for the rigor of his work, and should the project proceed, results will be published at its completion.
Requests for comments from HHS went unanswered immediately.
This research initiative emerges amid turmoil within health agencies, following the dismissal of former CDC director Susan Monares. This situation contributed to concerns over vaccine policies and ongoing research, amplified by resignations of several senior officials.
Despite extensive studies disproving such claims, Kennedy vigorously promotes the idea that childhood vaccines are responsible for rising autism rates and chronic illnesses.
The controversy first gained traction back in 1998, when a paper published in a UK medical journal attempted to link the MMR vaccine to autism spectrum disorders. This study, based on only 12 children, was later retracted, and its author, Andrew Wakefield, lost his medical license. Subsequent reviews pointed out that Wakefield had violated fundamental research ethics and subjected children to unnecessary invasive tests not approved in his study.
