Summary
Since becoming the U.S. health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made changes to vaccine policy, removed several health experts from a key advisory panel, and made unproven claims about vaccines. These actions have raised concerns about decreasing vaccine confidence and potentially lower vaccination rates in the U.S.
Key Facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became the U.S. health secretary seven months ago.
- He changed U.S. vaccine policy and removed more than a dozen experts from a vaccine advisory panel.
- The new advisory panel met in September to discuss vaccine recommendations.
- Kennedy and the Trump administration claim vaccines contribute to autism, a theory debunked by experts.
- Critics say these actions can lead to confusion and lower vaccination rates.
- Michael Osterholm, an expert in infectious disease, warned about the risk to vaccine confidence.
- A CDC leader resigned in protest, citing concerns about public health.
