RFK Jr. Says Americans Shouldnt Take Medical Advice From Him
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5:19 pm
RFK Jr. Says "Probably" Vaccinate, But Don't Take My Advice
In a surprising turn, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he would "probably" vaccinate his children against measles if he had young children today. However, he quickly cautioned against taking medical advice from him, emphasizing that his personal opinions are irrelevant. This statement came during his first testimony before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Kennedy's response came in answer to a direct question from Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., who pointed out that the CDC, under Kennedy's purview, provides medical advice. Kennedy's reluctance to offer specific advice stems from a desire to avoid influencing others, despite his position.
The CDC, the agency under Kennedy's leadership, firmly recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against measles, citing its safety and effectiveness. This year, the U.S. has seen a concerning surge in measles cases, with 1,001 confirmed cases reported as of May 8th, across 31 states. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Texas and New Mexico, with 96% occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Kennedy's past stance on vaccines has been controversial. Prior to his appointment, he faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories, including the debunked link between vaccines and autism. During his confirmation hearings, he stated he is "pro-safety" rather than anti-vaccine. His views led to the resignation of Dr. Peter Marks, a leading official at the FDA, who cited concerns about Kennedy's views on vaccine safety.
This testimony was part of a broader discussion where Kennedy defended thousands of cuts he's made at HHS. In addition to the House Appropriations Committee, he was also scheduled to speak before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
BNN's Perspective: Kennedy's statement highlights the complex relationship between personal beliefs and public health leadership. While his "probably" response suggests a recognition of the vaccine's importance, his reluctance to offer direct advice underscores the challenges of navigating public perception and the potential for misinformation. It's a delicate balance, and hopefully, the CDC's clear guidance will continue to be the primary source of information for the public.
Keywords: RFK Jr., Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary, measles vaccine, vaccination, CDC, MMR vaccine, measles outbreak, vaccine safety, anti-vax, health advice, House Appropriations Committee, Senate HELP Committee, vaccine controversy, measles cases, Texas, New Mexico, unvaccinated, Dr. Peter Marks, FDA.