Public health experts are sounding the alarm after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine skeptic, was confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Chantelle Lee reports for Time.
In short:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by a narrow Senate vote to head HHS, despite his long history of promoting vaccine misinformation.
- Experts fear Kennedy’s leadership could undermine vaccine policies and create widespread public distrust in science and medicine.
- While Kennedy’s focus on food-related health issues has some support, his controversial views on vaccines and infectious disease research dominate concerns.
Key quote:
“He’s just a dangerous individual when it comes to public health.”
— Dr. Rob Davidson, emergency physician and executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care
Why this matters:
Kennedy’s confirmation raises serious concerns about the future of vaccine policy and public health trust. While some applaud his tough stance on processed foods and chemical exposures, those positives are, for many, drowned out by worries that his leadership could erode trust in medicine at a time when confidence in public health is already fragile. Public health, it seems, is in for a wild ride.
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