Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time sceptic of vaccines, has publicly supported the measles vaccine amid a deadly outbreak sweeping through Texas. His comments come as health officials raise alarms over rising infection rates and the first measles-related death in the United States in a decade.
In an opinion piece published by Fox News on Sunday, Kennedy expressed concern over the growing number of cases, despite previously downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak. “Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons,” he wrote. However, Kennedy also maintained that the decision to vaccinate remains “a personal one,” a position consistent with his previous statements advocating for parental choice regarding immunisation.
The United States is witnessing a significant surge in measles cases, with Texas emerging as a focal point. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 146 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in the state since late January. The outbreak has been particularly severe in northwest Texas, where last month authorities confirmed the country’s first measles-related death in ten years. The deceased, an unvaccinated school-aged child, was hospitalised after contracting the highly contagious virus.
Health officials warn that measles is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, especially for those who are not immunised. The virus can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
In his Fox News piece, Kennedy highlighted the dramatic reduction in measles cases since the introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. “For example, in the United States, from 1953 to 1962, on average there were 530,217 confirmed cases and 440 deaths, a case fatality rate of 1 in 1,205 cases,” he wrote.
The MMR vaccine, introduced in the 1960s, significantly reduced the incidence of measles across the country. Before its availability, measles was considered a common childhood illness. However, vaccination programs have nearly eradicated the virus in many regions. Despite this progress, recent years have seen a resurgence of measles cases, primarily due to declining vaccination rates in some communities.
Health authorities have traced the current outbreak in Texas to a Mennonite community—a Christian sect with roots in the radical factions of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. Mennonite communities are known for their simple lifestyle and, in some cases, a reluctance to engage with modern medical practices, including vaccination. This resistance to immunisation has created conditions where infectious diseases like measles can spread rapidly.
Public health officials are working closely with community leaders to encourage vaccination and contain the outbreak. However, misinformation about vaccine safety continues to fuel scepticism, making these efforts challenging.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been a polarising figure in the public health debate. For years, he has promoted discredited theories linking vaccines to autism—a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by extensive scientific research. His stance has made him a prominent voice in the anti-vaccine movement, drawing criticism from medical professionals and public health agencies.
Last month, Kennedy faced backlash when he appeared to downplay the severity of the Texas outbreak, pointing out that multiple measles outbreaks had already occurred in the United States this year. Critics accused him of minimizing the public health risk and undermining vaccination efforts.
In his recent opinion piece, Kennedy appeared to soften his position by acknowledging the protective benefits of the measles vaccine. However, his emphasis on personal choice continues to align with his broader stance against vaccine mandates.
The US Department of Health and Human Services remains firm in its support for widespread vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks. The agency stresses that high vaccination coverage is essential for maintaining community immunity and protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons.
Medical experts warn that without increased immunisation efforts, the current outbreak could escalate, posing a broader public health threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
In light of the ongoing crisis, public health officials continue to encourage vaccination as a safe and effective measure to curb the spread of measles and safeguard vulnerable populations.
As Texas battles the outbreak, Kennedy’s revised stance on the measles vaccine reflects growing concern about the virus’s resurgence and its potentially devastating consequences.
