How Measles, Whooping Cough, and Worse Could Roar Back on RFK Jr.’s Watch - KFF Health News
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Inoculation campaigns that protect children and adults from dangerous diseases rely on a delicate web of state and federal laws and programs. If senior officials cast doubt on vaccine safety, the whole system might collapse, especially in red states.

Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as the top U.S. health official under Donald Trump has alarmed public health experts, who fear his anti-vaccine stance could lead to outbreaks of diseases like measles, polio, and meningitis.

Kennedy has promoted debunked vaccine-autism theories and may weaken federal vaccination programs, delay new vaccines, and undermine immunization requirements.

Vaccine-preventable illnesses are already rising, with 16 U.S. measles outbreaks this year.

Experts warn that declining vaccination rates threaten public health, while drug companies and vaccine advocates brace for significant challenges under the new administration.