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RFK Jr urges US families to vaccinate children against measles

scienceAug 2, 2026331,058

Health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr told parents on CNN that they should vaccinate their children against measles, saying a measles vaccine "is effective, it stops measles in about 97% of the cases" and urging people to get the combined MMR shot. His remarks came as the US has recorded 2,371 confirmed measles infections so far this year, surpassing 2025's total of 2,289, and after 37 new outbreaks that put the country at risk of losing measles elimination status it has held since 2000. Kennedy, long identified as a leading vaccine skeptic who has spent years amplifying misinformation about vaccines including MMR, made the statement after CNN host Dana Bash pressed him to use his "bully pulpit" to tell families the vaccine is safe and lifesaving. Kennedy refused to accept responsibility for the surge, saying "Absolutely not," and blamed religious communities and global health conditions for outbreaks. Later in the interview he repeated skepticism he has voiced since joining the administration, including portraying measles vaccination as a personal choice and claiming the inoculation's power is waning. The exchange turned combative, with Kennedy accusing Bash of "saying nonsense," "repeating like a parrot" and calling her "flustered," while Bash told him his comments contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Public health officials warn the continuing spread and the recent tally mean immediate vaccination outreach and containment are needed to prevent further erosion of herd immunity and loss of elimination status.

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