Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently encouraged parents of newborns to “do your own research” before deciding to vaccinate their infants. In a televised interview with Dr. Phil, he raised concerns about the safety of the measles vaccine and made several inaccurate claims that questioned both the effectiveness of vaccinations and the independence of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
During the interview, which aired on MeritTV to commemorate the 100th day of the Trump administration, Mr. Kennedy reiterated his belief that the measles vaccine is essential for preventing its spread, stating, “if you want to avoid spreading measles, the best thing you can do is take that vaccine.”
However, he emphasized that the choice should ultimately rest with individuals. By suggesting vaccines might be unsafe, he contradicted longstanding advice from public health professionals, including experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We live in a democracy, and part of being a parent is to do your own research,” he told an audience member who inquired about vaccine safety. “Just like you research baby strollers and food, you owe it to your child to research the medicines they receive.”
The phrase “I did my own research” gained traction during the coronavirus pandemic, where vaccination supporters, primarily on the left, used it to criticize those refusing to get vaccinated. It even became a meme, appearing on humorous tombstones during Halloween in liberal areas.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond immediately to requests for a statement.
Mr. Kennedy’s comments surfaced during the most significant measles outbreak in the U.S. in around 25 years, which has sadly resulted in the deaths of two children and an adult.
Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine authority from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, acknowledged that skepticism towards vaccines is reasonable. However, he cautioned that parents must be vigilant about the sources they consult for information.
“Doing your own research means consulting experts in the field, not just browsing chat rooms or social media posts,” Dr. Offit advised. He warned that while some good information is available, many sources spread misinformation that could mislead parents. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prime example,” he added.
Dr. Peter Hotez from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston criticized Mr. Kennedy for being disingenuous. “He uses the phrase ‘doing your own research’ without acknowledging that parents often encounter an onslaught of disinformation, primarily from the health and wellness industry promoting alternatives,” Dr. Hotez pointed out.
Mr. Kennedy also unfoundedly claimed that measles vaccines cause various health issues. “Does it prevent measles? Yes. But could it also lead to seizures or other neurological conditions? We don’t know,” he questioned.
In reality, research has indicated that vaccinated individuals are generally at a lower risk of developing autoimmune diseases compared to those who experience infections. This has led scientists to believe that vaccines not only protect from infectious diseases but also from related complications, including autoimmune responses.
Many of Mr. Kennedy’s statements were also factually incorrect. He claimed, “New drugs are approved by outside panels, not by the F.D.A. or the C.D.C.,” which is misleading.
While outside panels do advise the FDA on significant drug approvals, the FDA holds the ultimate authority to grant or deny the approval of drugs and vaccines. The CDC does not play a role in these decisions.
Dr. Robert Califf, the FDA commissioner under President Joseph R. Biden Jr., noted, “Mr. Kennedy needs a refresher on drug development and FDA decision-making. He either lacks knowledge on the subject or is deliberately misleading the public. Outside panels provide guidance, but the FDA makes the final call.”
Furthermore, Mr. Kennedy incorrectly claimed that vaccines aren’t evaluated for safety during or after licensing. “There’s no safety studies before or after,” he asserted, claiming that vaccines are uniquely exempt from pre-licensing safety testing.
In fact, the FDA follows a rigorous process for vaccine approval, which includes extensive laboratory and animal research followed by human trials. The FDA requires thorough safety and effectiveness studies, often involving thousands of participants, as stated by Dr. Peter Marks from the FDA’s vaccine division, who recently stepped down from his role.
“I’m uncertain where this misconception originates,” Dr. Marks said, expressing criticism of Mr. Kennedy’s claims. “Vaccines undergo comprehensive safety evaluations. We’re administering these products to healthy individuals, so safety is crucial.”
Once vaccines are approved, they are continuously monitored through various databases. The Vaccine Safety Data Link relies on electronic health records from medical centers nationwide and has been instrumental in identifying rare side effects, such as myocarditis from COVID-19 vaccines.
Another monitoring system, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), was created in 1990 as a national early warning system based on reports from patients and healthcare providers. Critics, including Mr. Kennedy, often cite VAERS data to claim vaccines are harmful, even though it was not intended to establish causal links between vaccines and health issues; rather, it serves to flag potential safety signals for further investigation.
The FDA also has a safety monitoring program called BEST, or the Biologics Effectiveness and Safety Initiative.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the infectious diseases committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics, stressed that it is incorrect to assert that federal officials do not monitor vaccine safety. “I’m perplexed by these claims; none of it is accurate,” he said, adding, “We are aware of various rare adverse events. Should the risks start to outweigh the benefits, vaccines would be removed from the market.”
