RFK Jr. could further deter childhood vaccinations as rates fall in the U.S.

CNBC March 9, 2025
Annika Kim Constantino

Key Points

– Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s new top health official, could further erode already falling U.S. vaccination rates against once-common childhood diseases, health policy experts said.

– Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, now leads the Department of Health and Human Services and wields enormous power over the federal agencies that regulate vaccines and set shot recommendations.

– Some health policy experts said his early moves as HHS Secretary are concerning and suggest that he could undermine immunizations in less direct ways.

The nation’s new top health official could further erode already falling U.S. vaccination rates against once-common childhood diseases, a development that comes as a growing measles outbreak has led to the first U.S. death...

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