U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voiced serious unease on Sunday regarding a measles outbreak in Texas, urging parents to speak with medical professionals about their choices for securing the MMR vaccine for their kids.
Kennedy emphasized the need for a science-driven approach to vaccines and their distribution, calling for cooperation among health experts, local leaders, and officials. “We all share a duty to safeguard public well-being,” he said. “That means delivering clear, factual details on vaccine safety and effectiveness, addressing community questions with sensitivity, and ensuring vaccines are widely available to those who seek them.”
Kennedy stressed that parents are key to protecting their children’s health. He encouraged them to discuss the MMR vaccine with doctors, noting that while the choice to vaccinate is personal, it helps shield both individual kids and vulnerable community members unable to receive shots for health reasons.
The Texas outbreak, he noted, has worsened quickly. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 146 cases have been confirmed since late January 2025, mostly in the South Plains area. Tragically, a school-aged child has died—the first U.S. measles death in over ten years.
Kennedy also tackled past criticism labeling him “anti-vaccine.” Referencing prior remarks covered by Breitbart News in January, he clarified his stance: “I’m focused on safety, not against vaccines. I’ve spent years highlighting mercury and toxins in fish—nobody said I hated fish. My children are all vaccinated, and I’ve written extensively on this topic. My 2014 book begins and ends with the statement that I’m not anti-vaccine.”
He drew parallels to his views on agriculture, rejecting claims he opposes food producers. “Farms are vital to our nation’s culture, politics, and security,” he said. Reflecting on his youth spent on ranches, Kennedy added, “I support our farmers. We need to ease unnecessary rules, spark innovation, and build a strong partnership with them for initiatives like MAHA to thrive.”
Kennedy admitted his habit of challenging norms often stirs debate. “I’ve rattled the establishment by raising tough questions,” he said.
