LOS ANGELES.–Putting his personal views on the MMR [Measles, Mumps and Rubella] on hold, 71-year-old Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents to get vaccines in Texas and elsewhere to contain a growing measles outbreak, something once purged from the infectious disease threat in the United States. RFK Jr. was sworn in Feb. 13 as the 26th director of Health and Human Services [HHS], commissioned with the responsibility to protecting public against infectious disease and other relevant health issues. “All parents should consult with their health care providers to understand their options to get MMR vaccine,” said RFK Jr. While not an outright endorsement of vaccines, at least RFK Jr. told parents to consult with health care professionals who universally recommend childhood vaccines. RFK Jr. has a long history of battling Big Pharma for possible side effects of taking vaccines.
Kennedy had spent considerable time in his long career as an environmental attorney fighting big Pharma for alleged dangers of childhood vaccines like DTP [Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis] and MMR, both childhood vaccines with some known adverse effects prompting creation of multibillion dollar vaccine court in Washington. HHS has long recognized the dangers of some childhood vaccines whether it was the vaccines themselves or their preservatives or the age at which children receive vaccines. Whatever the risk, low as they may be, injuries do occur, prompting legal action against vaccine makers. Kennedy’s announcement for parents of school age children to take mandatory vaccines seriously was a step in the right direction. Sometimes working with attorneys and doctors claiming injuries can skew your views regarding the dangers of vaccines.
RFK Jr. wanted the public to know he doesn’t oppose childhood vaccines, only thinks parents should know the benefits and risks involved in taking vaccines. “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one,” RFK Jr. said. “Vaccines not only protect individual children form measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protect those who are unable to be vaccinated dud to medical reasons,” Kennedy said. RFK Jr. responded to some 146 measles cases. “This included ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated,” RFK Jr. said. Of the 146 measles cases, 79 were unvaccinated, 62 unknown vaccine status and five others with vaccines. At least one death has been reported in the recent measles outbreak in Texas, most likely among the undocumented population, a real problem for health officials trying to contain infectious disease.
RFK Jr. defied his many critics accusing him of promoting conspiracy theories about the MMR vaccine contributing to autism. Autism spectrum disorders have increased from one-in-a thousand in 1980 to about one in 36 today. No one can account for the dramatic increase in autism diagnosis, looking at environmental toxins like fast or processed foods or the use of MMR vaccines, once laced with thimerosol mercury as a preservative. No one knows how the incidence of autism has grown over the last 45 years, other that saying that more research is necessary. RFK Jr. had been privy to many of the MMR injury cases adjudicated in vaccine court claiming injuries. Proving the MMR vaccine causing injury to normal neurological development is never easy for plaintiffs’ attorney going up against big Pharma that denies any link of autism to MMR vaccines.
Kennedy encouraged public leaders to inform the public about the safety and availability of vaccines. “We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them,” RFK Jr. said. Kennedys wants the public to know that under his leadership vaccines are widely available for anyone that needs them. “The measles outbreak in Texas is a call to action for all of us to affirm our commitment to public health,” RFK said. “Under my leadership, HHS is and will always be committed to radical transparency to regain the public’s trust in its health agencies,” a vague reference to past HHS officials who urged the Covid-19 vaccines when scant research existed about their safety or efficacy. RFK Jr. said nothing about mandating childhood vaccines only referring to their availability.
RFK’s Jr.’s recent advocacy for MMR and other childhood vaccines comes after years of vaccine skepticism, urging parents to get all the facts about the possible dangers of childhood vaccines. “Go to Texas, Mr. Secretary, and preach the truth as only a convert can. This vaccine is safe and getting children jabbed is an act of love,” the New York Post wrote to Kennedy. “That’s why all your children are vaccinated, despite you well-documented concerns.” RFK Jr. knows the difference between legal advocacy for victims of vaccine injuries and public health advocacy for the vast majority of the public that relies on vaccines to prevent infectious disease. Today’s measles outbreak in West Texas is a rude awakening after measles was virtually eliminated in the U.S. for the last 20 years. RFK’s clear messaging should help reverse lingering opposition to measles vaccines.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
