How the CDC Caught the Political Virus

This essay is the second in a two-part series examining the CDC’s revised autism–vaccine messaging and the broader politicization of CDC science. While Part 1 focused on the November 19, 2025 change to the CDC’s “Autism and Vaccines” page and its impact on families, clinicians, and vaccine confidence, Part 2 traces the longer history of political interference at the agency and proposes structural reforms to help restore trust.