Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged during a House budget hearing on Wednesday that he would “probably” vaccinate his child against measles if he had one today. The comment came in response to a direct question from Rep. Mark Pocan about whether he would choose to immunize his children for measles in the current climate. Kennedy, serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, replied, “Probably, for measles.” However, he quickly added a disclaimer: “I think if I answer that question directly that it will seem like I’m giving advice to other people and I don’t want to be doing that.”
Kennedy clarified that he and his children have received vaccinations in the past. Despite this, he emphasized that his views on vaccines shouldn’t hold weight in the broader debate, stating, “My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant,” and insisting, “I don’t think people should be taking… medical advice from me.”
Rep. Pocan pushed back, arguing that giving guidance on such matters falls under Kennedy’s responsibility. “Because the CDC does give advice,” Pocan pointed out. In response, Kennedy explained that the role of his department is to ensure that the public receives clear and balanced information. “We’re just trying to lay out the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, accurately, as we understand them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to decide for themselves.
When the discussion turned to whether he would also vaccinate against chickenpox and polio, Kennedy declined to give a definitive answer. He reiterated his position, saying once more, “I don’t want to give advice.”
Kennedy has drawn criticism for shifting between opposing vaccine mandates and expressing support for specific vaccines like the one for measles. He has also previously made the disproven claim that vaccines are linked to autism.
{Matzav.com}