Brady Collins
In 2014, a CNN iReport went viral, claiming that the CDC had suppressed data showing a 340% increased risk of autism in African-American boys following MMR vaccinations. This led to allegations of fraud and cover-ups within the CDC, with senior researcher William Thompson seemingly confessing to the suppression of data. The idea that vaccines cause autism is not new and has been the subject of conspiracy theories for many years. Despite scientific analyses repeatedly disproving any link between vaccines and autism, misinformation and disinformation continue to spread, causing fears about vaccine safety and contributing to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 3rd February 2015 |
| CDC Warning | The CDC did not issue a warning about the MMR vaccine |
| CDC Fraud | A 2004 CDC study was found to be fraudulent, omitting data suggesting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism in African-American boys |
| Risk of Autism | The omitted data suggested a 340% increased risk of autism in African-American boys who received the MMR vaccine before the age of 36 months |
| Thimerosal | A debunked article claimed that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, was responsible for increased autism rates |
| Fetal Material | The MMR vaccine does not contain fetal material, despite claims that it contains aborted fetus debris and DNA particles |
| Vaccine Efficacy | The MMR vaccine is effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, offering lifelong protection for most people |
| Vaccine Schedule | The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for full immunization |
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What You'll Learn
The CDC's MMR vaccine and autism link
In 2014, a CNN iReport went viral claiming that the CDC had suppressed data relating to a 340% increased risk of autism among African-American boys following MMR vaccinations. The report featured a video of William Thompson, a senior researcher at the CDC, appearing to confess to the fraud. This led to allegations of a cover-up at the CDC and fuelled the idea that vaccines lead to autism. However, the CDC has repeatedly denied any link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and the scientific consensus is that the increase in autism rates is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as lowered stigma around diagnosis.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine has been the target of false claims and conspiracy theories for many years, with some people refusing to vaccinate their children due to safety concerns. This has contributed to outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The CDC and other public health officials have worked to counteract these concerns and encourage vaccination, emphasising the benefits of vaccines in preventing serious diseases.
In 2025, the CDC was criticised for planning a large-scale study investigating the link between vaccination and autism, which has already been debunked. Despite this, some people, including Dave Weldon, President Donald J. Trump's nominee to lead the CDC, have continued to promote the disproven vaccine-autism link. This has led to concerns about the re-litigation of proven cures and the potential impact on public health.
While the CDC has faced criticism and controversy over its handling of the vaccine-autism link, it continues to play a crucial role in promoting vaccination and protecting public health. The CDC recommends that infants 6-11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two more doses after their first birthday. The CDC also provides information and recommendations for older children, adolescents, and adults who may need catch-up vaccinations.
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MMR vaccine and fetal material
The claim that the MMR vaccine contains fetal material is based on a misunderstanding of how the rubella attenuated virus is produced. The most common rubella strain used in vaccines is attenuated in a cell culture that uses the specific cell line WI-38. This cell line was isolated from the lung tissue of a 3-month-old female embryo, which was the result of a legal abortion in Sweden in the 1960s. No new fetal tissue has been used since.
The use of fetal cells in vaccine development offers several important benefits. Fetal cells are isolated from the sterile environment of the womb, meaning they are not infected with other viruses, and the vaccines produced from these cells do not inadvertently introduce any other viruses. Additionally, fetal cells have not divided as many times as other cell types, allowing them to be used for longer periods.
It is important to note that vaccines do not contain fetal cells or "parts of fetuses". The process of growing viruses in cells involves breaking down and purifying the cellular DNA, removing any cellular debris and growth reagents. While trace amounts of DNA fragments may remain, these are highly degraded and pose no health risk.
Despite the scientific evidence, some individuals, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have claimed that the MMR vaccine contains "aborted fetus debris" and "DNA particles". These claims have contributed to misinformation and fears about the safety of the MMR vaccine, leading to a decrease in vaccination rates and outbreaks of measles in the United States.
Regarding the CDC, there have been allegations of fraud and cover-ups related to the MMR vaccine and autism. In 2015, a senior scientist at the CDC, William W. Thompson, admitted that a 2004 paper denying the MMR-autism connection had omitted certain data. The omitted data suggested an increased risk of autism in African-American boys who received the MMR vaccine before the age of 36 months. However, the idea that vaccines lead to autism is not a new conspiracy theory, and the study in question has been heavily discredited.
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MMR vaccination timing
In 2014, a CNN iReport claimed that the CDC had suppressed data relating to a 340% increased risk of autism among African-American boys following MMR vaccinations. This report was based on a video featuring William Thompson, a senior researcher at the CDC, who appeared to confess to the fraud. This led to allegations of a cover-up at the CDC and sparked concerns about vaccine safety. However, the idea that vaccines lead to autism is not a new conspiracy theory, and the study in question has been heavily discredited.
Regarding MMR vaccination timing, the CDC recommends two doses of the measles-containing vaccine for children, with the first dose administered at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age before starting school. The second dose can be given earlier than 4-6 years, as long as there is a gap of at least 28 days between the two doses. For infants aged 6-11 months, one dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended before international travel, followed by two more doses after their first birthday. Older children, adolescents, and adults who do not have evidence of immunity should also receive 1-2 doses of the MMR vaccine, with doses separated by at least 28 days.
The MMR vaccine is also recommended for women of childbearing age, as getting measles during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Additionally, contracting rubella during pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby, including damage to their sight and hearing. The MMR vaccine can be safely administered to breastfeeding women without affecting the baby through breast milk.
It is important to note that the MMR vaccine can be given at any age. Individuals who did not receive the vaccine as a child or are unsure about their vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider or GP to determine if they need to be vaccinated. International travelers, in particular, should ensure they are fully vaccinated before their trip.
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MMR vaccine and thimerosal
Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that has been widely used in the United States in multi-dose vials of medicines and vaccines. It is used to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination of vaccines. Since the 1930s, thimerosal has been used as a preservative in several biological and drug products, including many vaccines.
However, concerns have been raised about the safety of thimerosal in vaccines, particularly regarding its potential link to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In response to these concerns, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agreed in July 1999 to reduce or eliminate thimerosal from vaccines as a precautionary measure.
It is important to note that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has never contained thimerosal. Studies have shown no association between the MMR vaccine and thimerosal.
Research has found no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Numerous well-conducted studies, including a 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have concluded that thimerosal does not contribute to the development of autism. Even after thimerosal was removed from almost all childhood vaccines, autism rates continued to rise, which contradicts the theory that thimerosal causes autism.
Additionally, a 2012 analysis of over 1,000 research articles found that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines. While vaccines are not without risks, the benefits of immunization in protecting infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases are significant.
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MMR vaccine and mumps
The MMR vaccine is a widely used injection that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). The MMR vaccine is recommended by doctors as the best way to protect against these diseases. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for full immunization. The MMR vaccine is safe to give at the same time as other vaccines. The MMR vaccine is administered by a subcutaneous injection, with the first dose typically given at twelve months of age. The second dose is generally given to children around 15 months to 6 years of age, with at least four weeks between the doses.
Mumps is a viral disease that was once very common, especially during childhood. Mumps can cause fever and swollen glands under the ears or jaw. If mumps is acquired by a male who is past puberty, a possible complication is bilateral orchitis, which can in some cases lead to sterility. The MMR vaccine protects against mumps by inducing immunity to the virus. While the MMR vaccine is effective in preventing mumps, immunity against mumps may decrease over time. During a mumps outbreak, public health authorities may recommend an additional dose of the MMR vaccine for those at increased risk.
There have been concerns and controversies regarding the MMR vaccine. One of the main concerns involves a now-discredited study published in 1998 that linked the MMR vaccine to autism, particularly in African-American boys. This study sparked widespread fear about vaccine safety and contributed to growing public resistance to vaccination. However, subsequent research and statements from public health officials have strongly rejected any connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Additionally, there have been claims that the MMR vaccine contains aborted fetus debris and DNA particles, which has led to religious objections to the vaccine. However, these claims have been refuted, clarifying that the presence of fetal material is a misunderstanding of how the rubella attenuated virus is produced. The CDC and other health organizations emphasize that vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, are safe and effective in preventing serious diseases.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the MMR vaccine does not contain aborted foetus debris. The claim stems from a misunderstanding of how the rubella attenuated virus is produced.
Yes, the CDC recommends the MMR vaccine as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
No, the CDC has not warned of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. In fact, the CDC has stated that vaccines do not cause autism and that the idea is a conspiracy theory. However, in 2025, the CDC was planning a large-scale study investigating whether vaccination might explain the rising rate of diagnosed autism in the US.
