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RFK Jr. Stirred Vaccine Fears in Pennsylvania Years Before Measles Outbreak
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied responsibility for the recent measles resurgence, attributing outbreaks mainly to religious communities that do not vaccinate.
- Kennedy did not acknowledge his own influence or that of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, which he once led, in fostering vaccine distrust among these communities.
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is experiencing one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S., with over 230 reported cases and multiple hospitalizations, particularly affecting Mennonite and Amish populations.
- Kennedy previously warned the Amish community against public health agencies, suggesting they would pressure the group to vaccinate despite their health practices.
