Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s leading health official, found himself at a Steak ‘n Shake alongside Fox News host Sean Hannity, enthusiastically praising the fries. The chain recently announced that its fries would now be cooked in beef tallow rather than in the standard cooking oils, which Kennedy claims—contrary to conventional nutritional advice—are detrimental to the typical American diet.
While the fries earned his endorsement, health experts have urged Kennedy to offer similar support to childhood vaccines, which are fundamental in preventing serious diseases such as measles. Currently, outbreaks in places like Texas and New Mexico are worsening under his leadership.
Kennedy, however, has cast doubts on vaccine safety. During his conversation with Hannity, he mentioned that vaccines result in “deaths every year,” yet he later advocated for their encouragement. His approach, since assuming office with the promise to “Make America Healthy Again,” has left many infectious disease specialists concerned that his mixed messages could undermine the availability of essential and effective vaccines.
Public health operations have been impacted as agencies like the CDC and the FDA have started canceling vaccine-related meetings under Kennedy’s directive. Notably, a key CDC meeting concerning vaccine recommendations has yet to be rescheduled. The National Institutes of Health, part of Kennedy’s oversight, is also curtailing funding for some vaccine research. The CDC is making plans to examine any links between vaccines and autism—claims previously refuted by numerous studies, which point out the extensive evidence that no such connection exists.
Inquiries by senators into ongoing research were met with skepticism, and some criticized the redirection of research funds away from identifying autism’s true causes. Dr. Paul Offit, an FDA vaccine adviser, openly accused Kennedy of generating unfounded concerns about vaccine safety, consistent with his long-standing approach. Many worry that the actions taken so far, such as canceling decades-old meetings on the flu vaccine, might herald broader disruptions in public health oversight.
Kennedy’s past assurances during senate hearings that he wouldn’t undermine existing vaccine policies appear contradicted by his later rhetoric, which criticized vaccine safety protocols and contradicted evidence of their efficacy. Experts like Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University have noted the contradictions in Kennedy’s statements, emphasizing that adverse effects from vaccines are exceedingly rare and that their public health benefits far exceed any minimal risk.
In a recent opinion piece, Kennedy cited the tragic case of a six-year-old who succumbed to measles in West Texas as a “call to action” but notably stopped short of recommending vaccination, even as this year’s case count rose significantly from the previous year. Pediatricians report increased confusion among parents regarding vaccine safety, with questions mounting in light of canceled public health meetings and delayed vaccine schedule recommendations.
Kennedy has personally advocated Vitamin A as an alternative measles treatment, despite this vitamin’s benefit being primarily in mitigating severity rather than preventing the disease. Experts warn that while somewhat beneficial, misadministration can lead to toxicity. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s policy shifts in office have included abrupt staffing changes within public health agencies, leading to further concerns from both parties about his leadership.
Supporters of Kennedy and affiliated figures, however, have lauded some early achievements, specifically his advocacy for healthier food options, albeit with some controversy. Social media voices have even suggested that Kennedy’s influence is prompting legislative changes regarding nutritional guidance in states like Utah and Texas.
Kennedy’s recent video, following a meeting with major food industry executives, promised more changes under his health initiative titled “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again). He declared a new era of accountability, yet details about the discussed actions remain vague as Kennedy refrained from providing specifics on these discussions.
