The New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, issued a statement on Thursday responding to recent comments by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about vaccines and autism. The statement was also supported by Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
Dr. McDonald addressed the CDC’s remarks by stating, “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.”
He emphasized that vaccines used in the United States undergo rigorous testing and monitoring for safety. “There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism. This issue has been studied thoroughly for many years by experts around the world,” Dr. McDonald said.
He further highlighted the risks posed by vaccine-preventable diseases: “What is clear is that vaccine-preventable diseases cause serious illness, hospitalization and death. These outcomes are particularly tragic because they are preventable.” As both a pediatrician and public health official, he expressed his support for established immunization guidelines: “As a pediatrician, public health expert, and New York State Health Commissioner, I strongly support the current childhood vaccine schedule.”
Dr. McDonald also reiterated the role of state agencies in safeguarding public health: “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.”
