FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ben Barber, ben.barber@virginiapublichealth.org
November 24, 2025
Virginia Public Health Association Condemns Misinformation;
Urges State Leaders to Protect Public Health.
RICHMOND, Va. — Ben Barber, President of the Virginia Public Health Association’s Board of Directors, released the following statement on behalf of the Board in response to changes to the Centers for Disease Control’s website that offer support to the false claim that vaccines cause autism.
“Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep people healthy. Because of vaccines, we have made tremendous progress in reducing—and even eliminating—many diseases that once regularly sickened Americans. The recent release of misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines puts us all at risk.
“Sound public health policy and practice are rooted in high-quality, evidence-based science. The Virginia Public Health Association stands with scientists, researchers, and public health officials who work every day to meet this standard, and we will continue to protect and advance access to high-quality, public health research and resources.
“Infectious diseases do not respect state lines, but state policymakers must act to counter this misinformation and its impacts. We respectfully urge Governor-Elect Spanberger and the General Assembly to speak loudly in support of high-quality, evidence-based science and to act decisively to protect and expand access to life-saving vaccines for all Virginians.”
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The Virginia Public Health Association is a statewide, nonprofit public health organization dedicated to strengthening public health practice, fostering health equity, and promoting sound public health policy.
