STATEMENT: Maine Public Health Association Condemns Misinformation, Supports the Use of Vaccines to Protect Public Health

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Contact: Matt Wellington (mwellington@mainepublichealth.org)

STATEMENT: Maine Public Health Association Condemns Misinformation, Supports the Use of Vaccines to Protect Public Health

AUGUSTA – This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their website with misinformation about vaccines and autism. 

Rebecca Boulos, Executive Director of Maine Public Health Association, issued the following statement in response:

“Thanks to medical advances like safe and effective vaccines, people are living longer than ever before. Diseases that used to kill children regularly, like smallpox, are a thing of the past. Yet, the latest misinformation about vaccines coming from the U.S. CDC threatens that progress, and will likely lead to unnecessary suffering, and even death. 

We’re already seeing the impact of vaccine misinformation in the growing measles outbreak across the country. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. It was declared eradicated in the U.S. 25 years ago. However, today, there are more than 1,700 of people across the country who have been infected, the majority under age 5, and three people have died from this entirely preventable disease.

Earlier this year, MPHA joined thousands of public health and healthcare professionals in opposing the nomination of RFK Jr to lead HHS. This latest stunt about vaccines and autism underscores our opposition. RFK Jr. is turning a globally renowned health institution into a circus. 

Vaccines save lives and we support their use to protect people from infectious diseases. We are fortunate here in Maine to have leadership that advances evidence-based policies to protect our communities. If you have questions about vaccines, please consult your healthcare provider.”

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Maine Public Health Association works to advance the health of all people and places in Maine.