Kennedy’s Confirmation Will Breed More Harm than Good, Public Health Experts Say
Many Public Health Experts Say Their Fears Were Realized
Many public health experts said their fears were realized Thursday when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as health and human services secretary.
Kennedy’s Background in Environmental Law and Anti-Vaccine Activism
Kennedy, who has a background in environmental law, is the founder of a prominent anti-vaccine activist group that has bought numerous lawsuits against federal health agencies. He has also written several books questioning the safety and effectiveness of routine vaccinations.
Only One Republican Senator Voted Against Kennedy’s Confirmation
Only one Republican member of the GOP-controlled Senate, Sen. Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, voted alongside Democrats in unanimously opposing Kennedy’s confirmation. In a statement, McConnell, a polio survivor, pointed to Kennedy’s “record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions.”
Kennedy’s Priority as HHS Secretary: Reversing Rising Rates of Chronic Diseases
At Senate hearings last month, Kennedy said his priority as HHS Secretary would be to reverse rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S., such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, and obesity.
Public Health Experts Worry about the Consequences of Kennedy’s Confirmation
Public health experts said they agreed with that goal broadly, but felt that having Kennedy at the helm of the country’s largest and most powerful health agency would do more harm than good.
Experts’ Concerns about Kennedy’s Confirmation
Experts worried that Kennedy could appoint vaccine skeptics to key roles within the agencies, set impossible-to-meet standards for vaccine approvals, and decline to continue stockpiling the H5N1 vaccines that may be necessary in the event of a bird flu pandemic.
Experts also expressed concern that Kennedy’s confirmation would lead to a decline in research on infectious diseases like Covid and measles, which could further prevent scientists from being prepared for future pandemics.
Reaction from Public Health Experts
“It’s a sad day for America’s children, and for the health of our nation, when a science denialist and anti-vaccine activist is chosen to head HHS,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Syra Madad, a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, said that under previous administrations, career scientists within federal agencies were a safeguard against political influence.
Dr. Andrew Kelly, associate professor of public health at California State University, East Bay, said that he was more concerned about Kennedy’s confirmation after the Trump administration temporarily froze federal funding and instituted sweeping layoffs across federal health agencies.
Dr. Matt Motta, an assistant professor of health law and policy at Boston University’s School of Public Health, said that Kennedy’s emphasis on chronic disease research and willingness to challenge corporate influence over food and drug industries were “silver linings in the dark cloud that hangs over public health right now.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s background?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a background in environmental law and is the founder of a prominent anti-vaccine activist group. He has written several books questioning the safety and effectiveness of routine vaccinations.
Why did Sen. Mitch McConnell vote against Kennedy’s confirmation?
Sen. Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, pointed to Kennedy’s “record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions” in a statement.
What are some of the concerns about Kennedy’s confirmation?
Experts are concerned that Kennedy’s confirmation could lead to a decline in research on infectious diseases, the appointment of vaccine skeptics to key roles, and a decline in the stockpiling of H5N1 vaccines. They also worry that Kennedy’s confirmation will lead to a increase in vaccine skepticism and misinformation.
What are some of the potential consequences of Kennedy’s confirmation?
The consequences of Kennedy’s confirmation could be far-reaching, including a decline in research on infectious diseases, a decrease in vaccine uptake, and an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases. It could also lead to a decline in the stockpiling of H5N1 vaccines, which could be necessary in the event of a bird flu pandemic.
What is the reaction from public health experts?
Public health experts are expressing concern and alarm about Kennedy’s confirmation, with many stating that it will do more harm than good. They are worried about the potential consequences of his confirmation, including a decline in research on infectious diseases and a decrease in vaccine uptake.
