1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is deeply concerning due to his extensive record of promoting anti-vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories. Kennedy has long advanced the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, opposed a wide range of routine childhood immunizations, and aligned himself with groups that spread false and harmful information about vaccine safety and efficacy. This stance directly contradicts well-established scientific evidence demonstrating vaccines are safe, effective, and have saved millions of lives globally. Given the vital public health role of HHS, having an anti-vaccine proponent lead the agency would severely undermine efforts to protect Americans through vaccination programs. It risks eroding public trust in vaccines and enabling the further spread of dangerous misinformation at a time when high vaccination rates are crucial for preventing outbreaks of deadly diseases. Kennedy's fringe views on vaccines are incompatible with leading an agency responsible for vaccine safety and immunization policies aimed at safeguarding the nation's health. I urge you to reject this nomination and instead support a qualified nominee who respects scientific consensus and is committed to promoting policies based on facts and evidence rather than discredited conspiracy theories that jeopardize public health and safety. The head of HHS must defend proven disease prevention measures like vaccination, not provide a prominent platform for anti-vaccine ideologues to spread misinformation that puts lives at risk.