Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, has repeatedly accused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of corruption and conspiracy, alleging its vaccine program prioritizes institutional interests over children’s safety. In speeches at AutismOne, a conference for parents of autistic children, Kennedy has used inflammatory language, likening the CDC’s actions to “Nazi death camps” and accusing it of hiding vaccine harms similar to how the Catholic Church concealed child abuse.
Kennedy claims vaccines cause autism—a theory disproven by extensive scientific research—and has vilified vaccine scientists, including Dr. Paul Offit, calling for their imprisonment. He also criticized the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Immunization Safety Office, alleging they serve corporate interests. Kennedy frequently cites debunked claims, such as a 2014 allegation by former CDC scientist William Thompson, to argue that vaccine safety data is manipulated to mislead the public.
As Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, Kennedy would wield significant power over agencies he has long criticized, raising concerns about the potential dismantling of vaccine safety programs and loss of public trust. Kennedy has indicated plans to replace HHS employees, access vaccine safety databases, and challenge vaccine manufacturing.
Despite moderating his rhetoric during his failed 2023 presidential run, Kennedy has remained committed to anti-vaccine activism. Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn his views could undermine public health efforts. Dr. Offit, a target of Kennedy’s attacks, described him as a “wild-eyed conspiracy theorist” perpetuating baseless claims. Kennedy’s controversial remarks and positions, if enacted, could drastically alter federal health policy, posing risks to established vaccine programs and public health infrastructure.
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