RFK Jr. Urges MMR Shots as 35-Year Measles High Spurs Lockdown Blame
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 2
RFK Jr. Urges MMR Shots as 35-Year Measles High Spurs Lockdown Blame
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 2
Summary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents to get children the MMR vaccine before school starts, saying he has “never questioned” its efficacy despite his long record as a vaccine critic.
In the CNN interview, Kennedy tied the record measles outbreak to COVID-19 shutdowns, citing Anthony Fauci’s diary warning that missed childhood vaccinations during closures could trigger more measles deaths.
Kennedy rejected responsibility for rising cases and broadened the clash into attacks on Fauci’s pandemic leadership, arguing future responses should prioritize constitutional rights and condemning gain-of-function research.
The remarks came days after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment before a Senate panel and as the Trump administration moves to end gain-of-function research, while Kennedy says food-rule changes could be released within a month.