" Keep in mind that it ’s his actual line to advise the President of the United States on wellness issue . "
This week, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr., attended hearings in both the House and the Senate totestify about budget cutsto his department. Throughout the hearings, Secretary Kennedy answered questions on awide range of topics, but his answer to a specific question about the measles vaccine has gone viral.
In thisvideoposted to Twitter (now known as X), Democratic Representative Mark Pocan asked Secretary Kennedy, “If you had a child today, would you vaccinate that child for measles?”
RFK Jr refuses to say if he would vaccinate his youngster today for rubeola , then add together , " I do n’t think people should take aesculapian advice from me . “pic.twitter.com / LMF6J3uJPs
Secretary Kennedy responded by saying, “What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant.”
He continued on, adding “I don’t want to seem like I’m being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.”
There is currently ameasles outbreakin 31 states, with over 1000 cases reported. Secretary Kennedy hassaidthat “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine,” but has also continued to makemisleading claimsabout the vaccine.
Commenters pointed out the irony of the Secretary’s statements. “Keep in mind that it’s his actual job to advise the President of the United States on health matters,” said one.
“[Secretary Kennedy] is in charge of the department that makes recommendations & guidance, develops, tests, & regulates vaccines. [TheFDA, which falls under HHS.] His opinions on vaccines are thus pretty goddamn relevant considering it’s a core function of his job!” said another.
“Top U.S. health official says, don’t take my health advice.”
“That’s like an arsonist saying, ‘I’m not a firefighter, but I wouldn’t put that out either.’ Sir, the house is on fire because of you.”
“Saying whether or not you personally would vaccinate your child today is not, in fact, giving medical advice. It does reveal what side of science you’re on, though.”
“‘Don’t take medical advice from me’ said the guy in charge of public health. We are through the looking glass.”
