Topline
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday if he had young children now he would “probably” vaccinate them against measles—but he cautioned people against taking medical advice from him.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears during a budget hearing before … More
Key Facts
When asked if he “had a child today” whether he would vaccinate that child for measles, Kennedy said “probably,” but added: “I don’t think people should be taking advice—medical advice—from me.”
Kennedy said if he “directly” answered whether he would vaccinate his children against measles, “it will seem like I’m giving advice to other people and I don’t want to be doing that.”
Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., who asked Kennedy the question, pushed back on his non-answer, saying giving advice is “kind of your jurisdiction, since CDC does give advice, right?”
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Crucial Quote
“What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant,” Kennedy said after saying he would probably vaccinate his kids against measles today.
What Does The Cdc Say About Measles Vaccination?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is under Kennedy’s purview, states “the best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” which it says is safe and effective.
News Peg
Kennedy’s testimony Wednesday was his first time testifying as HHS secretary. He spoke before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday morning, and in the afternoon he will speak before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. In addition to his thoughts on vaccinations, Kennedy’s Wednesday morning testimony revolved around defending the thousands of cuts he’s made at HHS.
Big Number
1,001. That’s how many cases of measles have been confirmed in the U.S. this year as of May 8, according to the CDC. The cases have been reported across 31 states, and there have been 14 outbreaks reported so far—an increase from the 16 reported throughout 2024. (Read more about the measles outbreaks here.)
Key Background
Most of the measles cases this year have been reported in Texas and New Mexico, and 96% have been among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, the CDC reported. Just 2% of cases have been in people with two doses of the MMR vaccine. Before Kennedy was nominated and sworn in as HHS secretary, his stance on vaccinations were criticized by health experts for being rooted in conspiracy theories, most notably his belief that vaccines cause autism. In his confirmation hearings, Kennedy said he is not an anti-vaxxer but is “pro-safety.” His beliefs about vaccines led Dr. Peter Marks to resign as the leading official of the Food and Drug Administration, which falls under HHS’ purview. Marks said in his resignation letter that some of Kennedy’s views on vaccine safety were “concerning,” and it became “clear that truth and transparency are not desired” by Kennedy.
Tangent
Last weekend, Kennedy posted pictures of himself and his family swimming in Rock Creek in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Mother’s Day. However, Kennedy’s photos made headlines as an unsafe move because the National Park Service prohibits swimming or wading in the water at Rock Creek “due to high bacteria levels.” “Rock Creek has high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens that make swimming, wading, and other contact with the water a hazard to human (and pet) health,” the NPS says on its website.
Further Reading
Here’s What RFK Jr.’s Health Role In Trump’s Administration Could Look Like (Forbes)
Measles Outbreak Updates: Here’s Where Cases Are Spreading In The U.S. (Forbes)
