Jay Bhattacharya testified that extensive research shows no vaccine causes autism, while emphasizing expanded federal efforts to identify the condition’s real causes.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya told senators Tuesday that he is unaware of any scientific evidence showing that vaccines cause autism, pushing back on persistent claims while calling for intensified research into the disorder’s underlying causes.
Bhattacharya made the remarks during testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, responding to questions about vaccine safety and autism during a hearing on NIH modernization.
Pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to state his position clearly, Bhattacharya said, “I have not seen a study that suggests any single vaccine causes autism.” He added that he is “absolutely convinced” childhood vaccination against measles is essential for controlling outbreaks and said decades of research show no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and autism.
Bhattacharya cautioned against broad generalizations, saying vaccines must be evaluated individually rather than as a single category. “When you’re studying anything like this, you can’t just say ‘vaccines,’” he said. “You have to say vaccine by vaccine.”
According to reporting by The Hill, Bhattacharya’s testimony contrasted with past statements from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has argued the science around vaccines and autism is unsettled and has raised concerns about thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once used in some vaccines. Most childhood vaccines no longer contain thimerosal, and federal advisory panels have largely moved away from its use.
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., cited dozens of studies involving more than one million children that found no association between vaccines and autism, warning that revisiting disproven theories diverts attention from identifying real causes. Bhattacharya agreed, saying research should focus on genetic, environmental, and developmental factors rather than reexamining settled questions.
“We don’t know what causes autism,” Bhattacharya said. “The NIH is committed to getting an answer for millions of families.”
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., noted the sharp rise in autism diagnoses over recent decades, now estimated at roughly one in 31 children. Bhattacharya confirmed the increase and said the current administration is devoting unprecedented resources to understanding why rates have climbed.
“This doesn’t seem like a Republican or Democrat issue,” Banks said, thanking Bhattacharya for prioritizing research that could benefit affected families.
Bhattacharya also addressed declining public trust in health institutions, saying skepticism toward doctors and public health authorities predates the current administration. He said rebuilding confidence requires transparency, rigorous science, and a clear focus on evidence rather than political narratives.
His testimony emphasized two points: vaccines remain a critical public health tool, and federal researchers must intensify efforts to uncover the true drivers behind the rise in autism diagnoses. Bhattacharya said NIH research will continue until families receive clear, evidence-based answers.