A Call for Accurate Public Health Communication - Reaffirming the Safety and Importance of Vaccines

Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted misleading information on its website by reviving solidly disproved claims that vaccines cause autism.

“Vaccines are one of the most powerful, proven tools we have to protect community health. Because of decades of safe and effective immunization, diseases that once devastated families—such as smallpox, polio, and Hib—are now rare or eliminated in the United States. That progress is hard‑won, and it is fragile.

The circulation of misinformation from any federal health agency is unacceptable. This messaging surprised CDC scientists, suggesting that it did not pass through the agency’s long reliable scientific review. Inaccurate guidance confuses families, undermines trust, and risks reversing years of protection. The science is clear: vaccines do not cause autism, and they continue to save lives.

Across the country, we are seeing the consequences of misinformation play out in real time. The current measles outbreak—now affecting more than 1,700 people nationwide, most of them young children—includes preventable hospitalizations and three tragic deaths. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. 25 years ago. That we are seeing this level of spread today is a direct result of eroded confidence in vaccines.

Here in New Hampshire, our communities have long valued practical, evidence‑based public health. NHPHA will continue to champion clear, science‑grounded communication and ensure families have access to reliable information they can trust. We will keep working closely with clinicians, public health partners, and community organizations to strengthen vaccine confidence and access across the Granite State.

If you have questions about vaccines—for your child, your family, or yourself—please speak with your healthcare provider or one of New Hampshire’s trained immunization professionals. Accurate information saves lives. Our communities deserve nothing less.”