U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for parents to vaccinate their children against measles.
The push for the MMR vaccine comes as public health officials navigate a significant increase in measles infections across the country. This stance is notable given the secretary's historical associations with vaccine skepticism.
During a CNN interview and testimony before the Senate in 2025, Kennedy promoted the use of the measles vaccine to combat the spread of the virus [1], [2]. The urgency of the recommendation follows data showing that U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high [2].
Kennedy said that parents should vaccinate their children to address the surge in cases [2]. His advocacy for the MMR vaccine was a central point of his public communications during these appearances [1], [3].
Reports on the secretary's specific priorities have varied. While some sources state that Kennedy pushed the measles vaccine and encouraged parents to vaccinate their children [1], [2], other reports indicate a different focus. The New York Times reported that Kennedy ordered a search for new measles treatments instead of urging vaccination [4].
Despite these differing accounts, the public record of his 2025 Senate testimony and media interviews includes direct advocacy for the existing vaccination framework to prevent further outbreaks [2], [3].
“U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high”
The public endorsement of the MMR vaccine by the Health and Human Services Secretary represents a critical alignment with established public health protocols during a period of declining immunity. By prioritizing vaccination to address a 35-year peak in cases, the administration is attempting to stabilize national immunization rates and prevent the further spread of a highly contagious disease.
