Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses anti-vaccine group conference
ABC News reports that the health secretary told attendees they have an ally in the Trump administration.
The short version
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a conference held by Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine activist organization he formerly led.[ABC News]
- Kennedy praised a recent White House executive order seeking to space out doses of the MMR vaccine against mainstream medical guidance, while insisting access has been preserved.[ABC News]
- Major medical groups and state officials criticized the appearance, warning it fuels vaccine hesitancy amid the country's worst measles surge since 1991.[ABC News]
Key facts
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered the keynote speech at a Children's Health Defense conference, his first appearance there since taking office.[ABC News]
- Kennedy told the attendees that they have a friend in President Donald Trump's White House.[ABC News]
- Kennedy praised an executive order issued by Trump calling for spacing out the MMR vaccine, contrary to guidance from medical organizations.[ABC News]
- The United States is facing its worst year for measles since 1991, recording seven deaths over the past two years, including four unvaccinated individuals in Pennsylvania.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The White House did not respond to requests for comment regarding Kennedy's remarks at the conference.[ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.