Better late than never — and not even really all that late.
In the wake of a rare measles outbreak in the US that has already claimed one life, the Trump administration faces a potential messaging conflict at HHS. Newly installed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has advocated for vaccine skeptics for decades, although he began moderating some of those positions when he launched his brief presidential campaign last year. Kennedy promised to follow the science during his confirmation hearings last month, although it probably only had the effect of winning over just enough Republicans to win confirmation.
Now in his first test, Kennedy has fulfilled the promise. Late yesterday, Fox News published an op-ed from RFK that urges parents to grasp the benefits of the MMR vaccine, while also extolling other ways to improve the health of their children at the same time:
As healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers, we have a shared responsibility to protect public health. This includes ensuring that accurate information about vaccine safety and efficacy is disseminated. We must engage with communities to understand their concerns, provide culturally competent education, and make vaccines readily accessible for all those who want them. …
Tens of thousands died with, or of, measles annually in 19th Century America. By 1960 — before the vaccine’s introduction — improvements in sanitation and nutrition had eliminated 98% of measles deaths. Good nutrition remains a best defense against most chronic and infectious illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D, and foods rich in vitamins B12, C, and E should be part of a balanced diet.
Healthcare professionals on the front lines of this outbreak are working tirelessly to treat affected individuals and prevent further transmission. Their dedication and resilience are commendable, and they deserve unwavering support. It is essential that we provide them with the resources and backing they need to continue their vital work.
Kennedy also has ordered the CDC to roll out vaccines and therapeutics in Texas:
In response to this outbreak, I have directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to work closely with the Texas health authorities to provide comprehensive support. HHS’ efforts include offering technical assistance, laboratory support, vaccines, and therapeutic medications as needed. The CDC is in continuous communication with Texas health officials, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to contain the outbreak. I have spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas health officials, committing to providing them any additional support they need to bring this outbreak to an end. I have also spoken to the bereaved parents of the deceased child to offer consolation.
It’s a good message, but one that seems just a little late out of the gate. The measles outbreak first gained attention several days ago, with some argument as to the identity of the catalyst. Administration critics pointed to Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism, but Kennedy hadn’t yet been confirmed when these outbreaks began. Administration defenders pointed out that massive illegal immigration likely brought the disease into places where illegal aliens have congregated, although no firm data on that has emerged yet either.
The message itself is still welcome, even if a little on the passive-voice side. Kennedy promised to promote effective vaccinations during his confirmation hearing, and this certainly fulfills that promise. Kennedy testified that his own children were fully vaccinated and he never opposed core vaccinations:
I am pro-safety. I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish and nobody called me anti-fish. I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated. I’ve written many books on vaccines. My first book in 2014, the first line of it is “I am not anti-vaccine” and the last line is “I am not anti-vaccine” nor am I the enemy of food producers.
He later testified directly about the measles vaccine in a testy exchange with Ron Wyden:
Senator, I support the measles vaccine, I support the polio vaccine. I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking either of those vaccines.
So again, this essay and these orders seem to show Kennedy acting in a consistent manner on core vaccinations. That is encouraging to those who had worried that Kennedy would take the CDC and HHS more generally in a vaccine-skeptical direction.
One has to wonder whether this public endorsement took his own spokesperson by surprise. Thomas Corry abruptly quit his post, a move announced hours after Kennedy’s essay got published:
“I want to announce to my friends and colleagues that last Friday I announced my resignation effective immediately,” he wrote. “To my colleagues at HHS, I wish you the best and great success.”
He did not give a reason for stepping down, and did not immediately respond to questions about his departure.
The resignation represents a potential early setback for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been the nation’s top health official for less than a month and is still building out his senior team.
Corry’s departure comes fewer than two weeks after being sworn in as HHS’ assistant secretary for public affairs, making him the top spokesperson for Kennedy. At the time, he wrote that he was “thankful that I’ll be part of the team that is going to work to make America healthy again, and on making healthcare more affordable and accessible.”
Corry claimed he resigned on Friday. Was it in connection with this essay, or were there other issues in play? It seems pretty early for this kind of resignation, and so far Kennedy’s reaction to the measles outbreaks is the first significant action of his tenure at HHS.
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