Health Risks Rise as RFK Jr. Appointed HHS Secretary

The recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services has sparked significant concern regarding public health in the United States. A 2024 CDC study revealed that nine routine childhood vaccinations administered to children born between 1994 and 2023 prevented an estimated 1.13 million deaths, along with 32 million hospitalizations and 508 million lifetime illnesses, yielding a total savings of $2.7 trillion for society. This critical data underscores the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs, which some fear may be jeopardized under Kennedy’s leadership.

In a pointed letter to Congress, Caroline Kennedy, cousin of the new secretary, expressed her strong opposition to RFK Jr.’s appointment, labeling him a “predator” who exploits vulnerable parents and children with dangerously misinformed views on vaccines. She argued that he is unqualified to oversee key federal health agencies, including the FDA, CDC, NIH, and Medicare/Medicaid. Despite unanimous opposition from Democratic Senators, the appointment received approval from the Republican majority, including Dave McCormick. Kennedy reportedly assured holdout Dr. Bill Cassidy that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” would remain on the CDC website, a critical point for public confidence.

Concerns have intensified over RFK Jr.’s stance on vaccinations, particularly as his website suggests a connection between childhood vaccines and autism. Such assertions undermine decades of scientific consensus, leading some parents to skip vaccinations for their children. This trend poses a severe risk, as evidenced by the resurgence of measles in the United States. The CDC reported that in 2025, there were 47 outbreaks, affecting thousands, with 92% of those infected being unvaccinated. Tragically, this situation has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children and one adult, raising alarms about the potential loss of the U.S. measles elimination status achieved in 2000.

Under RFK Jr.’s leadership, there have been significant changes within the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which saw the dismissal of all expert members, replaced by individuals skeptical of vaccines. This newly constituted panel voted to recommend diluting existing policies that ensure a universal hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Instead, they opted for alternatives that could expose unvaccinated infants to lifelong health complications, including liver disease and cancer. This decision reverses a long-standing policy credited with reducing childhood and adolescent hepatitis B infections by 99% over the past three decades.

The acting CDC director, Jim O’Neill, appointed by former President Trump and a close associate of RFK Jr., ultimately had the final say in approving this controversial recommendation, despite lacking a scientific or medical background. Physicians across the country anticipate dire consequences stemming from a decline in COVID-19, flu, and childhood vaccinations during RFK Jr.’s tenure, which has been described as both reckless and incompetent.

As public health advocates voice their concerns, there is a growing call for retaining vital vaccination schedules and for replacing RFK Jr. with a qualified individual to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Concerned citizens are encouraged to reach out to their representatives, including Senator McCormick and House members Bresnahan and Meuser, at (202) 224-3121 to express their views on this pressing issue. The health and safety of future generations may depend on the actions taken today.