Summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to clearly endorse vaccines during a House hearing amid a deadly U.S. measles outbreak.

Asked if he’d vaccinate his children today, Kennedy said, “My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant,” despite past regrets over vaccinating his own kids.

He promoted unproven measles remedies like budesonide and cod liver oil. Lawmakers and health experts criticized his refusal to advocate for vaccines, calling it irresponsible given his role.

The U.S. has seen over 1,000 measles cases in 2025, with three confirmed deaths.