Anti-Vaxx Dad Defends Stance After Daughter Dies of Measles: ‘Vaccinated Relatives Had It Worse’

A Texas father, whose 8-year-old daughter tragically passed away from measles, has ignited a heated debate by defending his anti-vaccine beliefs. He asserts that vaccinated family members experienced "way worse" cases of the disease than his unvaccinated children.

Gaines County, Texas, has been particularly hard-hit by a measles outbreak, with over 300 confirmed cases reported since January. This alarming situation has raised concerns among health officials and the community alike.

The outbreak has had devastating consequences, especially for those who are unvaccinated. So far, three deaths have been reported, including two young girls, Daisy Hildebrand and Kayley Fehr, from the close-knit Mennonite community in Seminole, Texas. These tragic losses highlight the serious risks associated with vaccine hesitancy.

Despite decades of scientific research supporting the safety and effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, skepticism about vaccines continues to persist, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. This hesitancy has contributed to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.

Pete Hildebrand, the father of the late Daisy, has publicly rejected vaccines, stating in a recent interview that vaccinated relatives in his extended family suffered more severe cases of measles than his unvaccinated children. "I know it's not effective because some family members ended up getting the vaccine, and they got the measles way worse than some of my kids," he claimed. "The vaccine was not effective."

These comments came just a day after Hildebrand buried his daughter and shared a meal with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During this visit, Hildebrand noted that Kennedy did not directly address the vaccine's effectiveness.

Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic who is now leading the federal response to the outbreak, later released a carefully crafted public statement. He referred to the MMR vaccine as the "most effective" method for preventing measles, while also endorsing alternative treatments such as vitamins and cod liver oil, which are favored by some alternative practitioners.

Public health officials are emphasizing the critical need for widespread MMR vaccination, particularly in vulnerable and insular communities like the one in Seminole. The ongoing outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health.