50% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s vaccine panel decisions
Share and Follow


() New polling from the Economist and YouGov found that 50% of Americans disapprove of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decisions regarding a key vaccine advisory committee.

The same polling found that a supermajority of Americans, 76%, say vaccines in general are safe.

Kennedy fired the entire vaccine advisory panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, replacing the 17 members with eight new ones, some of whom have a track record of vaccine skepticism.

The panel is set to meet next week, and one item on the agenda is reviewing the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in children under 5 years old. The panel is also set to reexamine several other issues that scientists and public health experts have considered settled for decades.

The panel is specifically taking a look at two ingredients: aluminum additives used in most childhood vaccines and thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative still used in some flu shots.

The review could impact vaccines for polio, hepatitis A and B, HPV, meningitis and whooping cough. The U.S. has seen increasing numbers of measles cases in recent months, largely driven by unvaccinated people.

Aluminum has been used to boost immune response for nearly a century, and thimerosal was phased out of most childhood shots in 2001 but still appears in multidose flu vials.

Before becoming HHS secretary, Kennedy wrote a book asserting that thimerosal causes autism and should be abolished. That claim has been disproven by health experts, including the agencies Kennedy now leads.

Scientists have debunked claims linking vaccines and autism, and medical experts have said that both aluminum and thimerosal are safe. But Kennedy and his panel have argued they still aren’t sure and that it’s time for a reevaluation.

Critics have said the actions aren’t about safety but are instead an effort to sow distrust in vaccines.

The panel is expected to vote next week on whether to keep thimerosal in flu shots, and a broad review of aluminum could come in July.

Last month, Kennedy changed the CDC’s recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine without a vote from the panel.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bodycam footage shows moment cops shoot down Michigan church killer

Bodycam Video Captures Police Confronting and Shooting Michigan Church Attacker

Disturbing footage from a body camera captured the moment Michigan police shot…
Lauren Graham receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Lauren Graham Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Chicago police ordered to ignore border patrol agents' plea for help while surrounded by angry mob of protesters

Chicago Police Instructed to Stand Down as Protesters Confront Border Patrol Agents

Chicago police officers, who were on their way to assist federal agents…
Chicago police ordered not to respond after car-ramming attack on federal agents: sources

Chicago police ordered not to respond after car-ramming attack on federal agents: sources

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An internal dispatch revealed…

Foster Poultry Farms Issues Recall for Almost 4 Million Pounds of Chicken Corn Dogs Over Wood Contamination

NEW YORK (AP) — Chicken product maker Foster Poultry Farms is recalling…
Rihanna steps out for first time since welcoming third child

Rihanna Makes Her First Public Appearance After Welcoming Her Third Child

Rihanna was spotted in West Hollywood on Friday night, marking her first…
Why it could be a good time to buy an EV, even without the $7,500 tax credit

Why Now Might Be the Perfect Time to Purchase an EV, Even Without the $7,500 Tax Credit

(NEXSTAR) – Car shoppers who missed out on the electric vehicle tax…
Harry could take a dim view of Meghan's Diana crash tunnel video

Harry Might Disapprove of Meghan’s Video at the Site of Diana’s Crash Tunnel

A solo visit to the French capital by the Duchess of Sussex…