Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is set to become the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has faced intense backlash from anti-vaccination advocates after making a statement about the effectiveness of the measles vaccine. The vaccine, which Kennedy had previously questioned, was endorsed by him in a recent visit to the family of a child who died from measles in Texas.
Kennedy’s statement acknowledged that the measles vaccine is “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.” This assertion has sparked outrage among anti-vaccination activists, including Sherri Tenpenny and Kim Iversen, who claim that Kennedy had made a “grievous error” by expressing support for vaccines.
Kennedy’s critics point out that his previous statements about vaccines have been at odds with this latest endorsement. In 2019, he claimed that the measles vaccine may be causing more deaths than the disease itself. However, despite his own skepticism on vaccines, Kennedy now appears to be advocating for their use in preventing the spread of measles.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has also led some conspiracy theorists to suggest that he was “blackmailed” into supporting vaccines by an unspecified entity. The anti-vaccination movement has gained traction among some groups, with Kennedy’s endorsement seen as a threat to their ideology.
In related news, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has faced criticism for her stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which she has publicly opposed despite previously participating in diversity programs. The backlash against Kennedy highlights the complex relationships between politics, public health, and social issues.
Source: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/rfks-anti-vax-flock-turns-on-him-mmr-measles-winsome-earle-sears