Secretary Kennedy’s false vaccine narrative threatens lives and public health

A new Department of Health and Human Services video alarmingly pits vaccines against other public health priorities, such as nutrition, exercise and sanitation. Secretary Kennedy presents a false dichotomy by misrepresenting what the data tell us about the substantial effectiveness of vaccines. His message contradicts all scientific evidence and puts lives at risk.     

Data clearly indicate that major reductions in deaths due to infectious diseases in the past century are due to medical advances like antibiotics and vaccines, combined with initiatives like improved sanitation and hygiene. While some reductions in death occurred before vaccines, significant reductions in diseases themselves — which often caused hospitalization and long-term health damage such as disabilities, blindness and hearing loss — did not occur until after the use of vaccines. For several infectious diseases, including pneumococcal infections, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, HPV and others, significant reductions in deaths occurred only after vaccines were introduced and implemented. Vaccines continue to be directly responsible for preventing millions of disease cases and deaths. 

Secretary Kennedy’s agenda to sow doubt and confusion about vaccines and restrict vaccine access is already severely harming Americans. This year, we’re seeing a record number of measles cases — the highest since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, when the disease was no longer spreading continuously here — and countless Americans are still struggling to access a COVID vaccine. Cases of measles, pertussis and other serious infectious diseases are primarily occurring in unvaccinated, healthy individuals. People who are not vaccinated for diseases like flu or COVID have a greater risk of hospitalization or death. 

Americans deserve access to evidence-based information, safe and effective vaccines, healthy food and all other public health measures recommended by health care professionals to help us lead long, healthy lives. 

— Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP — President, IDSA   

About IDSA   

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.