RFK Jr. Dodges Vaccine-Autism Questions in Senate Confirmation Responses

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has avoided directly answering questions about his stance on vaccines and autism in written responses to senators17.

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy faced intense scrutiny over his history of promoting scientifically discredited links between vaccines and autism13.

Extensive, peer-reviewed global studies have consistently demonstrated no connection between vaccines and autism, establishing a clear scientific consensus1.

Kennedy's evasive responses have raised concerns among senators and public health officials about his potential impact on vaccine trust and public health policies if confirmed as HHS Secretary4.

The nominee has a history of anti-vaccine activism, including founding a prominent anti-vaccination non-profit and involvement in spreading misinformation during a measles outbreak in Samoa6.

Kennedy's nomination has moved out of the Senate Finance Committee, and the full Senate will now vote on his confirmation6.

Various organizations, including the Autism Society of America and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, have expressed opposition to Kennedy's nomination due to his stance on vaccines and autism16.

Sources:

1. https://autismsociety.org/rfk-jr-questioned-on-autism-during-confirmation-hearing/

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKkBkQa389o

4. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/public-health/day-2-hhs-confirmation-hearings-kennedy-again-grilled-vaccine-views

6. https://autisticadvocacy.org/2025/02/call-your-senators-to-stoprfk-now/

7. https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/rfk-vaccines-autism-hhs-confirmation