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Vaccines

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Anti-Vax Crusade Could Upend America's Child Vaccine Schedule, Warns Former FDA Chief

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former Food and Drug Administration commissioner under President Trump, has expressed concern that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may use a forthcoming report to claim a link between a common vaccine ingredient and autism, potentially leading to the dismantling of the country's pediatric vaccine schedule. Gottlieb fears that if this association is established, vaccine manufacturers may be forced to reformulate their products, leading to a decoupling of vaccines and a potential decline in vaccination rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, warns that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may use a forthcoming report to claim a link between a vaccine ingredient and autism, potentially upending the pediatric vaccine schedule.
  • The adjuvant in question, alum (aluminium salts), is used in about 10 vaccines and has no good alternative, making reformulation a pressing concern for manufacturers.
  • Decoupling vaccines would result in children needing more shots, potentially leading to a decline in vaccination rates.
  • Gottlieb notes that linking alum and autism could have major implications for vaccine manufacturers, forcing them to reformulate their products.
  • The potential consequences of this association being established are far-reaching, including the possibility of children needing more shots and a potential decline in vaccination rates.

Statistics:

  • About 10 vaccines contain the adjuvant alum, which is used to enhance the immune response to vaccines.
  • 1,000+ current and former Health and Human Services employees have signed an open letter condemning Secretary Kennedy's "reckless disregard for science and truth."
  • 75% of COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to people under the age of 30.

Sources:

  • "HBO Comedian Bill Maher Shreds Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Trainwreck' Senate Hearing": The Daily Beast, [February 2023]
  • "Donald Trump's Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams Calls for RFK Jr.'s Firing": The Daily Beast, [January 2023]
  • "Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Stuns CNN Host with Vax Admission: 'Kind of Shocked'": The Daily Beast, [January 2023]

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