Health Secretary’s Remarks Raise Concerns About Vaccine Schedule
As the nation’s top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made a promise to investigate the childhood vaccine schedule that prevents measles, polio, and other dangerous diseases. However, his remarks have raised concerns about his commitment to maintaining the current vaccination schedule, which is widely recommended by medical professionals.
A Promise Broken?
To earn the vote he needed to become the nation’s top health official, Kennedy made a special promise to a U.S. senator: he would not change the nation’s current vaccination schedule. However, on Tuesday, he vowed to investigate the childhood vaccine schedule, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Investigating Childhood Vaccines
Kennedy’s remarks, which circulated on social media, were delivered during a welcome ceremony for the new health secretary at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. He promised that a new "Make America Healthy Again" commission would investigate vaccines, pesticides, and antidepressants to see if they have contributed to a rise in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity that have plagued the American public.
A Commission with a Broad Mandate
The commission, which was formed last week in an executive order by President Donald Trump, will be made up of cabinet members and other officials from the administration. It will develop a strategy around children’s health within the next six months and investigate issues, including childhood vaccinations, that "were formally taboo or insufficiently scrutinized."
A Physician’s Concerns
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana physician who harbored deep misgivings over Kennedy’s anti-vaccine advocacy, had voted to send Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate floor. Cassidy had expressed concerns that Kennedy’s views on vaccines might lead to changes in the vaccination schedule, which he believes is safe and effective.
The Science is Clear
Rigorous studies of thousands of people followed by decades of real-world use have proven that the vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration for both children and adults safely and effectively prevent diseases. Vaccines save lives and are safe, according to Cassidy.
A Commitment to Open-Mindedness
Kennedy promised to keep an open mind in his new job and asked his staff to do the same. "A lot of times when I read these articles characterizing myself, I think I wouldn’t want to work for that guy, either," he said. "Let’s start a relationship by letting go of any preconceived perceptions you may have of me."
FAQs
Q: What is the current vaccination schedule?
A: The current vaccination schedule is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Q: What are the benefits of vaccination?
A: Vaccines save lives and are safe, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Q: What is the purpose of the "Make America Healthy Again" commission?
A: The commission will investigate vaccines, pesticides, and antidepressants to see if they have contributed to a rise in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity that have plagued the American public.
Q: What is the current state of the measles outbreak in Texas?
A: The measles outbreak in West Texas is the state’s largest in 30 years, with most cases reported among unvaccinated individuals.
