Larson Condemns New Anti-Vax Push from Secretary Kennedy

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) condemned Florida’s plan to end all childhood vaccine requirements amid yet another anti-vaccine push from U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He is currently testifying before the Senate Finance Committee. 

Following a purge of top leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week, more than 1,000 current and former HHS staff are leading a call for Secretary Kennedy’s resignation. This morning, the recently ousted CDC Director, Dr. Susan Monarez, revealed in the Wall Street Journal that she was asked to pre-approve vaccine recommendations from a panel dominated by anti-vax extremists. 

“Vaccines save lives,” said Larson. “The State of Florida’s plan to end childhood vaccine requirements, shamefully comparing them to slavery, will put lives at risk. A responsible administration would step in to protect our kids and families, but instead, Secretary Kennedy is using his position to elevate these conspiracies and let anti-vax extremists call the shots. I commend Dr. Susan Monarez, the recently ousted CDC Director, for speaking out this morning against her former boss. President Trump is letting conspiracy theorists lead the nation down a dangerous path. Mr. President: End these games now before we face another deadly pandemic on your watch.” 

Since taking office, Secretary Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that recommends vaccines, canceled $500 million in funding for vaccine research, and announced new restrictions on the COVID-19 vaccine.