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Vaccines help prevent disease and do not cause autism. The false claim that vaccines cause autism dates back to a small 1998 study of 12 children and the MMR vaccine. The study was deeply flawed and based on misrepresented data and later removed from the scientific journal that published it. Since then, over 25 high-quality research studies have shown no link between autism and vaccines. Other false claims link autism to getting multiple vaccinations at the same time or to the use of vaccine preservatives. These claims have also been studied, and scientists continue to find no evidence to support these claims.
WHAT WE KNOW
Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to show up around the same time as childhood vaccinations by coincidence. Early autism signs appear in toddlers at around 2-3 years old, and a diagnosis is usually not given until the age of three or later. Many childhood vaccinations are also given between the ages of 2 months and 18 months, including the MMR vaccine.
The overlap in timing is part of the reason why false claims that vaccines cause autism could lead people to believe the two are linked. However, scientific research has repeatedly shown that this overlap in timing is coincidental and not causal, and vaccinated children do not have higher autism rates than unvaccinated children.
The number of children diagnosed with autism has risen over the past decade. Diagnostic criteria have also changed, which broadened the definition to include people with lower support needs who may not have previously qualified for the diagnosis (formerly diagnosed as Aspergers Syndrome). This, along with increased awareness of ASD, is likely the main cause of this increase.
Autism spectrum disorder, as the name implies, is a spectrum. This means that there are varying degrees to which autism affects people’s day-to-day lives.
Research has shown that the cause of autism is largely genetic, which means the genes for developing autism are passed down from one generation to the next.
UNKNOWNS
While autism is largely genetic, scientists continue to research other factors which may increase the risk of autism including the age of parents at the time of conception.
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Vaccines help prevent disease and do not cause autism. The false claim that vaccines cause autism dates back to a small 1998 study of 12 children and the MMR vaccine. The study was deeply flawed and based on misrepresented data and later removed from the scientific journal that published it. Since then, over 25 high-quality research studies have shown no link between autism and vaccines. Other false claims link autism to getting multiple vaccinations at the same time or to the use of vaccine preservatives. These claims have also been studied, and scientists continue to find no evidence to support these claims.
WHAT WE KNOW
Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to show up around the same time as childhood vaccinations by coincidence. Early autism signs appear in toddlers at around 2-3 years old, and a diagnosis is usually not given until the age of three or later. Many childhood vaccinations are also given between the ages of 2 months and 18 months, including the MMR vaccine.
The overlap in timing is part of the reason why false claims that vaccines cause autism could lead people to believe the two are linked. However, scientific research has repeatedly shown that this overlap in timing is coincidental and not causal, and vaccinated children do not have higher autism rates than unvaccinated children.
The number of children diagnosed with autism has risen over the past decade. Diagnostic criteria have also changed, which broadened the definition to include people with lower support needs who may not have previously qualified for the diagnosis (formerly diagnosed as Aspergers Syndrome). This, along with increased awareness of ASD, is likely the main cause of this increase.
Autism spectrum disorder, as the name implies, is a spectrum. This means that there are varying degrees to which autism affects people’s day-to-day lives.
Research has shown that the cause of autism is largely genetic, which means the genes for developing autism are passed down from one generation to the next.
UNKNOWNS
While autism is largely genetic, scientists continue to research other factors which may increase the risk of autism including the age of parents at the time of conception.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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Compound drugs are copies of FDA-approved products made by licensed pharmacists if there is a drug shortage; however, compound drugs are not FDA-approved. The FDA released a statement on March 17 expressing concerns with non-FDA approved GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. These versions did not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness and quality. Patients should fill a doctor’s prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy to be sure they have an FDA-approved drug.
WHAT WE KNOW
Some serious adverse effects as well as nausea and vomiting linked to dosage errors for semaglutide and tirzepatide, and some compound drugs have been reported. This may have been due to dosage errors when a patient takes an incorrect dose of the drug or when a healthcare provider miscalculates the dosage of a drug.
Compound drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved drugs, but can be appropriate if certain drugs face a shortage.
For more information on how to safely buy prescription medications online, visit FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign for resources.
UNKNOWNS
A high demand for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes is expected; we are still learning if this will cause more shortages and a return of compounded versions of the drug in the future.
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Compound drugs are copies of FDA-approved products made by licensed pharmacists if there is a drug shortage; however, compound drugs are not FDA-approved. The FDA released a statement on March 17 expressing concerns with non-FDA approved GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. These versions did not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness and quality. Patients should fill a doctor’s prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy to be sure they have an FDA-approved drug.
WHAT WE KNOW
Some serious adverse effects as well as nausea and vomiting linked to dosage errors for semaglutide and tirzepatide, and some compound drugs have been reported. This may have been due to dosage errors when a patient takes an incorrect dose of the drug or when a healthcare provider miscalculates the dosage of a drug.
Compound drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved drugs, but can be appropriate if certain drugs face a shortage.
For more information on how to safely buy prescription medications online, visit FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign for resources.
UNKNOWNS
A high demand for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes is expected; we are still learning if this will cause more shortages and a return of compounded versions of the drug in the future.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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Current science suggests this claim is true
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Collectively, the U.S. has had the windiest Spring in 50 years with 473 tornadoes reported as of April 8th. Mississippi has had the highest number of tornadoes of any state, with 89 reported to date, followed by Missouri (55 reported). Spring is known for being windy and this year’s gusts were even more dramatic due to large variations in temperature over short distances. A maritime heat wave has added more humid air to the mix, causing wind and strong storms when it collides with cold air. Stronger winds increase the risk of tornadoes, contribute to more severe allergies, and cause dust storms.
WHAT WE KNOW
Wind, or the movement of air, is caused by high- and low-pressure systems interacting with each other. The vertical movement of air is influenced by temperature, and when air masses of different temperatures collide with each other, strong storms can be produced.
Weather conditions, like higher humidity from a maritime heat wave and warmer temperatures contribute to more severe weather patterns and higher winds.
UNKNOWNS
Wind patterns are impacted by many different factors on a global scale, and we are still learning how changing weather patterns combined with natural fluctuations in wind patterns will affect future weather.
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Collectively, the U.S. has had the windiest Spring in 50 years with 473 tornadoes reported as of April 8th. Mississippi has had the highest number of tornadoes of any state, with 89 reported to date, followed by Missouri (55 reported). Spring is known for being windy and this year’s gusts were even more dramatic due to large variations in temperature over short distances. A maritime heat wave has added more humid air to the mix, causing wind and strong storms when it collides with cold air. Stronger winds increase the risk of tornadoes, contribute to more severe allergies, and cause dust storms.
WHAT WE KNOW
Wind, or the movement of air, is caused by high- and low-pressure systems interacting with each other. The vertical movement of air is influenced by temperature, and when air masses of different temperatures collide with each other, strong storms can be produced.
Weather conditions, like higher humidity from a maritime heat wave and warmer temperatures contribute to more severe weather patterns and higher winds.
UNKNOWNS
Wind patterns are impacted by many different factors on a global scale, and we are still learning how changing weather patterns combined with natural fluctuations in wind patterns will affect future weather.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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On May 9th, the FDA approved Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract (blue, green, or purple) and calcium phosphate (white) for use in foods and drinks. Research shows the three additives to be safe for use as food dyes and may provide an alternative for food manufacturers looking to switch to more natural dyes. These dyes may not work as alternatives for some products, as natural dyes tend to fade more quickly or be more expensive.
WHAT WE KNOW
Galdieria extract blue comes from a species of algae, butterfly pea flower extract comes from flower petals, and calcium phosphate is a mineral that contains calcium and phosphorus.
Synthetic color additives are often made from petroleum.
Concerns about the possible health effects of synthetic or artificial food dyes have been raised. But as of May 2025 no conclusive evidence has shown that synthetic dyes are harmful to humans in the amounts present in food. Some studies have shown carcinogenic effects in rats related to some artificial dyes like Red Dye #3, and other small studies have suggested synthetic dyes may have negative health effects. The UK and Canada require a warning label on foods that contain artificial dyes.
UNKNOWNS
It is hard to tell which products natural dyes will work for, and things like shelf life, cost, and final appearance all play a factor on whether a natural dye could be used.
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On May 9th, the FDA approved Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract (blue, green, or purple) and calcium phosphate (white) for use in foods and drinks. Research shows the three additives to be safe for use as food dyes and may provide an alternative for food manufacturers looking to switch to more natural dyes. These dyes may not work as alternatives for some products, as natural dyes tend to fade more quickly or be more expensive.
WHAT WE KNOW
Galdieria extract blue comes from a species of algae, butterfly pea flower extract comes from flower petals, and calcium phosphate is a mineral that contains calcium and phosphorus.
Synthetic color additives are often made from petroleum.
Concerns about the possible health effects of synthetic or artificial food dyes have been raised. But as of May 2025 no conclusive evidence has shown that synthetic dyes are harmful to humans in the amounts present in food. Some studies have shown carcinogenic effects in rats related to some artificial dyes like Red Dye #3, and other small studies have suggested synthetic dyes may have negative health effects. The UK and Canada require a warning label on foods that contain artificial dyes.
UNKNOWNS
It is hard to tell which products natural dyes will work for, and things like shelf life, cost, and final appearance all play a factor on whether a natural dye could be used.
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Vaccines help prevent disease and do not cause autism. The false claim that vaccines cause autism dates back to a small 1998 study of 12 children and the MMR vaccine. The study was deeply flawed and based on misrepresented data and later removed from the scientific journal that published it. Since then, over 25 high-quality research studies have shown no link between autism and vaccines. Other false claims link autism to getting multiple vaccinations at the same time or to the use of vaccine preservatives. These claims have also been studied, and scientists continue to find no evidence to support these claims.
WHAT WE KNOW
Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to show up around the same time as childhood vaccinations by coincidence. Early autism signs appear in toddlers at around 2-3 years old, and a diagnosis is usually not given until the age of three or later. Many childhood vaccinations are also given between the ages of 2 months and 18 months, including the MMR vaccine.
The overlap in timing is part of the reason why false claims that vaccines cause autism could lead people to believe the two are linked. However, scientific research has repeatedly shown that this overlap in timing is coincidental and not causal, and vaccinated children do not have higher autism rates than unvaccinated children.
The number of children diagnosed with autism has risen over the past decade. Diagnostic criteria have also changed, which broadened the definition to include people with lower support needs who may not have previously qualified for the diagnosis (formerly diagnosed as Aspergers Syndrome). This, along with increased awareness of ASD, is likely the main cause of this increase.
Autism spectrum disorder, as the name implies, is a spectrum. This means that there are varying degrees to which autism affects people’s day-to-day lives.
Research has shown that the cause of autism is largely genetic, which means the genes for developing autism are passed down from one generation to the next.
UNKNOWNS
While autism is largely genetic, scientists continue to research other factors which may increase the risk of autism including the age of parents at the time of conception.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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Compound drugs are copies of FDA-approved products made by licensed pharmacists if there is a drug shortage; however, compound drugs are not FDA-approved. The FDA released a statement on March 17 expressing concerns with non-FDA approved GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. These versions did not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness and quality. Patients should fill a doctor’s prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy to be sure they have an FDA-approved drug.
WHAT WE KNOW
Some serious adverse effects as well as nausea and vomiting linked to dosage errors for semaglutide and tirzepatide, and some compound drugs have been reported. This may have been due to dosage errors when a patient takes an incorrect dose of the drug or when a healthcare provider miscalculates the dosage of a drug.
Compound drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved drugs, but can be appropriate if certain drugs face a shortage.
For more information on how to safely buy prescription medications online, visit FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign for resources.
UNKNOWNS
A high demand for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes is expected; we are still learning if this will cause more shortages and a return of compounded versions of the drug in the future.
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heard this concern.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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Collectively, the U.S. has had the windiest Spring in 50 years with 473 tornadoes reported as of April 8th. Mississippi has had the highest number of tornadoes of any state, with 89 reported to date, followed by Missouri (55 reported). Spring is known for being windy and this year’s gusts were even more dramatic due to large variations in temperature over short distances. A maritime heat wave has added more humid air to the mix, causing wind and strong storms when it collides with cold air. Stronger winds increase the risk of tornadoes, contribute to more severe allergies, and cause dust storms.
WHAT WE KNOW
Wind, or the movement of air, is caused by high- and low-pressure systems interacting with each other. The vertical movement of air is influenced by temperature, and when air masses of different temperatures collide with each other, strong storms can be produced.
Weather conditions, like higher humidity from a maritime heat wave and warmer temperatures contribute to more severe weather patterns and higher winds.
UNKNOWNS
Wind patterns are impacted by many different factors on a global scale, and we are still learning how changing weather patterns combined with natural fluctuations in wind patterns will affect future weather.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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On May 9th, the FDA approved Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract (blue, green, or purple) and calcium phosphate (white) for use in foods and drinks. Research shows the three additives to be safe for use as food dyes and may provide an alternative for food manufacturers looking to switch to more natural dyes. These dyes may not work as alternatives for some products, as natural dyes tend to fade more quickly or be more expensive.
WHAT WE KNOW
Galdieria extract blue comes from a species of algae, butterfly pea flower extract comes from flower petals, and calcium phosphate is a mineral that contains calcium and phosphorus.
Synthetic color additives are often made from petroleum.
Concerns about the possible health effects of synthetic or artificial food dyes have been raised. But as of May 2025 no conclusive evidence has shown that synthetic dyes are harmful to humans in the amounts present in food. Some studies have shown carcinogenic effects in rats related to some artificial dyes like Red Dye #3, and other small studies have suggested synthetic dyes may have negative health effects. The UK and Canada require a warning label on foods that contain artificial dyes.
UNKNOWNS
It is hard to tell which products natural dyes will work for, and things like shelf life, cost, and final appearance all play a factor on whether a natural dye could be used.
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heard this concern.
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