The claim
Childhood vaccination leads to autism
Rating
Scientific consensus firmly establishes that childhood vaccinations do not cause autism
Reviewed by First Check ↗ ·
Original fact check ↗PeakMetrics research summary
Based on related reporting.
Research from related reporting says that in November, Kennedy directed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism, without supplying new evidence (S1). Another report says Kennedy linked an ingredient used in the hepatitis B vaccine to autism without citing evidence (S2).[S1][S2]
Research date:
Sources and attribution
- [original] First Check original review
Original review · Retrieved October 16, 2026
- [S1] RFK Jr. promised to restore trust in US health agencies. One year later, it’s eroding
Additional research · Retrieved October 16, 2026
- [S2] RFK Jr. cast doubt on a key vaccine. This country can't wait to get it
Additional research · Retrieved October 16, 2026