Statement from the New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Supported by New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 20, 2025) – The CDC's recent statement regarding vaccines and autism is inconsistent with decades of scientific evidence. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multiple contributing factors, including a strong genetic component.

Vaccines used in the United States are rigorously tested and monitored for safety. There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism. This issue has been studied thoroughly for many years by experts around the world.

What is clear is that vaccine-preventable diseases cause serious illness, hospitalization and death. These outcomes are particularly tragic because they are preventable. As a pediatrician, public health expert, and New York State Health Commissioner, I strongly support the current childhood vaccine schedule.

The New York State Department of Health has been a trusted voice protecting the health of New Yorkers since 1901. That commitment and OPWDD's commitment to eliminating stigma for people with autism has not changed and will not change.