Vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. supports measles vaccine during deadly Texas outbreak

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines, has come out in support of the measles vaccine. This announcement comes in the wake of a deadly outbreak primarily affecting Texas.

The outbreak has already claimed its first victim, an unvaccinated child who tragically passed away in late February. This marked the first measles-related death in the U.S. in a decade, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Despite his previous stance, which included making numerous misleading claims about the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, Kennedy expressed his concern over the recent outbreak in an opinion piece published on Fox News. He had previously downplayed the situation, suggesting that annual outbreaks were "not unusual."

In his recent statement, Kennedy emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons." This marks a significant shift in his messaging, as he has often been associated with anti-vaccine sentiments.

However, he maintained that the choice to vaccinate is a personal one, urging parents to consult with their healthcare providers to explore their options regarding the MMR vaccine. This nuanced approach reflects a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding vaccine discussions.

Kennedy also mentioned that he has directed federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to provide support to Texas health authorities in managing the outbreak. This comes at a time when the CDC and other health agencies are facing staffing cuts due to President Trump's extensive overhaul of the federal government.

He stressed the importance of health workers, officials, and communities in ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is shared widely. Additionally, he called for making vaccines readily accessible to those who wish to receive them.

Despite his shift in tone, Kennedy has faced criticism from those who label him as anti-vaccine. He has dismissed these claims, arguing that his views have been misrepresented and that he is advocating for "common sense" policies regarding vaccination.

In his opinion piece, Kennedy highlighted that the current outbreak in Texas has predominantly affected children, with 116 out of 146 cases occurring in individuals under 18 years of age. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that 79 of the confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received the MMR vaccine, while 62 cases had an unknown vaccination status. Alarmingly, at least five of the infected individuals had already received the MMR vaccine.

Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, recently pointed out that even a slight dip in vaccination coverage can lead to outbreaks. She noted that this particular measles outbreak originated in a close-knit, rural Mennonite community with very low vaccination rates. Unfortunately, vaccination exemptions have surged in Texas in recent years, exacerbating the situation.

Last month, Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins, expressed concern over the Texas outbreak, labeling it "troubling" and emphasizing that it was entirely preventable. He highlighted that Texas has the lowest vaccination rates and the highest school exemption rates for measles vaccination, which has led to hospitalizations among those infected with the virus. Adalja's comments serve as a stark reminder that measles remains a significant risk when proper precautions are not taken.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks continue to occur each year, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. The CDC estimates that vaccination against this respiratory virus is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% immunity.