by WGME Staff
Fri, February 14th 2025 at 10:51 PM
A group of health advocates and Maine lawmakers say Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is “utterly unqualified” to serve as Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. (WGME)
PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — A vaccine advocate here in Maine is voicing concerns over the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of Health and Human Services.
Trump’s controversial pick, a longtime vaccine skeptic, was sworn in on Thursday afternoon following a narrow 52-48 vote in the Senate.
In the past, Kennedy has suggested vaccines cause autism and that Black people might need different vaccines than white people, despite having no clear evidence to support that.
Advocates say unproven theories like this lead to misinformation spreading, fewer people being vaccinated, and a resurgence in some diseases.
I think his confirmation is a major threat to the vax infrastructure. I’m concerned for my kids and all kids and all of our families and individuals, too,” Northe Saunders, from SAFE Communities Coalition, said.
Kennedy admitted during a prior hearing last month that he has vaccinated his own children.
He also denies that he is anti-vaccine.
