Anti-vaccine group once led by RFK Jr circulates false assertions amid measles outbreak
Children’s Health Defense using familiar playbook to defend health secretary as it downplays dangers of disease and exaggerate risks of vaccines, public health experts say
TL;DR
- The US is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 1,958 reported infections and three deaths.
- Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s former non-profit, Children's Health Defense (CHD), is accused of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation.
- CHD published articles defending Kennedy and questioning the dangers of measles during a South Carolina outbreak.
- Experts claim Kennedy's statements have undermined confidence in the measles vaccine and public health responses.
- CHD has a history of similar actions, including during a Texas measles outbreak where they encouraged unvaccinated behavior and questioned disease severity.
- A study found CHD posted significantly more about measles on social media than the CDC during a period of low CDC engagement on the topic.
- Public health experts attribute the spread of outbreaks to misinformation promoted by groups like CHD.