Photo credit: CDC - The child’s cheek shows the characteristic rash associated with measles.
By Irwin Redlener
Another young child in Texas has just died of measles.
That eight-year-old girl will not be the last tragic consequence of misinformation and conspiracy theories promulgated by anti-vaccine activists, none more influential than now-Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Yes, it might be true that in the last few days Kennedy is seemingly more positive about the measles vaccine than in the past. This is a perfect example of too little, too late.
As secretary, the famous anti-vaccine activist is the most senior public health official in the U.S. This may be one of the most irresponsible presidential Cabinet appointments in modern memory.
Additionally, in the past few weeks, distinguished physician-scientist Peter Marks, head of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine division, was forced out of his job. He said in his resignation letter, ”It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by [Secretary Kennedy], but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
