Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite claiming vaccine support during his confirmation hearings, has undermined vaccine confidence through actions by agencies under his leadership. The NIH halted funding for vaccine hesitancy research and new vaccine development, while the CDC shelved a flu shot ad campaign. Kennedy falsely accused CDC vaccine advisors of conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the HHS cut billions from state health agencies, impacting childhood immunization programs, a development Kennedy claimed unawareness of.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.