RFK Jr.’s Misinformation on Vaccines Poses Risks to Children

As a pediatrician with over 30 years of experience, I find myself witnessing an unprecedented amount of confusion and fear surrounding routine vaccinations today.

Back in 1998, a deceptive study claimed a link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. This article was retracted in 2010, and the doctor responsible lost his medical license.

To my knowledge, few vaccines have undergone more extensive study than the MMR vaccine. There is no established causal link between it and autism.

I believed that we had dispelled this myth long ago. Yet, it is disheartening to see our country’s Health and Human Services secretary discussing the notion that the MMR vaccine might be more perilous than measles itself.

Currently, I’m facing parents who decline the MMR vaccine at their child’s one-year checkup due to concerns about potential side effects.

As a pediatrician, this situation is not only frustrating, but potentially tragic.

It appears that the only way to convince some parents of the necessity of routine vaccinations is to witness the inevitable devastation that measles inflicts on an unvaccinated population.

Measles is the most contagious virus known to humanity. Recently, during an outbreak in Gresham, Ore., we were reminded that the virus can linger in the air and remain viable on surfaces for up to two hours after a child with measles has left the room, even before symptoms like a rash appear.

If an unvaccinated child is exposed to the measles virus, the likelihood of infection is alarmingly high (90% for close contacts). It spreads like wildfire among unvaccinated individuals.

Moreover, in about one in every 1,000 cases of measles, the virus breaches the blood-brain barrier, resulting in dire consequences for the child. In these instances, the child may either succumb to the illness or face irreversible brain damage due to measles encephalitis, with little hope for a normal life thereafter.

It is impossible to predict which child will suffer this grave complication—it does not necessarily correlate with any perceived pre-existing health issues; it’s purely random.

Considering the catastrophic effects of measles encephalitis, a one in 1,000 risk is truly alarming. It’s a risk I’ve never been willing to accept for my own children, nor for my patients (assuming their parents are willing to heed my advice).

While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may have held certain beliefs as an outsider before this administration, as the head of HHS, it is essential that he advocates for the most reliable scientific evidence regarding this and all other health matters on behalf of all Americans.

Just a week ago, I was heartened to see his opinion piece on the Fox News website, in which he asserted that the recent measles outbreak in Texas serves as a clarion call for action.

He compellingly articulated the argument that the MMR vaccine is vital for preventing this potentially lethal disease.

It was so convincing that I was able to persuade a couple of families to vaccinate their children after sharing the article with them. I have saved it for future reference!

Thus, I am disheartened to hear Kennedy’s remarks in a Tuesday interview, where he suggested that the MMR vaccine may be as perilous as contracting measles itself.

The probability of a significant adverse effect from the MMR vaccine is minimal, estimated at 1 in 1,000,000. In three decades of practice, I have never encountered a patient who experienced more than a sore leg or arm from the MMR vaccine, and occasionally a mild fever a week or two post-vaccination.

When faced with a risk of one in a million compared to one in a thousand, I know which odds I would choose. Our health officials should do the same.

Julia Mason, MD, is a practicing pediatrician and advocate for children’s health.