US Health Secretary Kennedy Promises White House Support to Anti-Vaccine Activists

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr stated during a speech at the Children’s Health Defense conference in Washington DC that anti-vaccine activists have a strong friend in the White House, calling for patience to achieve lasting change.

Remarks at the Conference

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr delivered a speech lasting about an hour and a half at the Children’s Health Defense conference held in Washington DC.

Speaking at the event of the anti-vaccine organization he previously led for about a decade, Kennedy told activists that they have a strong friend in the White House.

Measles Outbreak and Fatalities

As the worst measles outbreak in recent years continues, four people have died in Pennsylvania and three in Texas and Arizona due to the outbreak.

Secretary Kennedy mentioned the outbreak only once during his speech, asking for patience because he must follow the law in order to make lasting changes.

Vaccine Debates and Claims

Recent polls following years of anti-vaccine campaigns show that a quarter of Americans have doubts about the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.

In his speech, Kennedy claimed that routine vaccines could lead to conditions such as allergies, asthma, autism, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome.

Attendees and Political Figures

At the event, prominent anti-vaccine activists such as CHD executive Mary Holland and Andrew Wakefield celebrated their roles in the national discourse.

Republican senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, as well as Representative Thomas Massie, were also featured as speakers at the meeting.