Fact Check: Kennedy Questions Safety of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccine
What We Know
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health, recently made statements regarding the safety of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine during a video address to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In this address, he claimed that Gavi has "ignored the science" concerning vaccine safety and specifically mentioned concerns about the DTP vaccine's safety, suggesting that it may be linked to higher infant mortality rates in girls, referencing a 2017 study (CIDRAP, New York Times). Kennedy stated, "In its zeal to promote universal vaccination, it has neglected the key issue of vaccine safety" (Washington Post).
Gavi responded by asserting that its vaccine decisions are based on recommendations from the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), which reviews data rigorously (Gavi). The organization emphasized that the DTP vaccine has been crucial in reducing disease burden in low-income countries, where the incidence of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis is significantly higher than in high-income countries (New York Times).
Analysis
Kennedy's claims about the DTP vaccine's safety are controversial and have been met with skepticism from the broader scientific community. While he cited a study suggesting a potential link between DTP vaccination and increased mortality in girls, other studies have refuted this assertion, indicating that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks (CIDRAP, WHO).
The reliability of Kennedy's statements is further called into question by his history as a vaccine skeptic, which may introduce bias into his claims. His remarks were made in the context of withdrawing U.S. financial support for Gavi until it "re-earns the public trust," which suggests a political motive behind his statements (ABC News).
Gavi's response highlights the rigorous processes it employs to ensure vaccine safety, aligning its practices with international health standards. The organization has successfully vaccinated over 1.1 billion children since its inception, preventing millions of deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases (Gavi).
Conclusion
The claim that Kennedy questions the safety of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine is True. He explicitly raised concerns about the vaccine's safety in a public address, linking it to higher mortality rates in vaccinated girls. However, his assertions lack robust scientific backing and are contradicted by established research and Gavi's operational protocols. Given his background as a vaccine skeptic and the political context of his statements, the credibility of his claims is significantly undermined.
Sources
- Kennedy pulls US support for Gavi's vaccine efforts - CIDRAP
- RFK Jr. Accuses Gavi, Global Vaccine Agency, of Ignoring Science - New York Times
- Kennedy says US is pulling funding from global vaccine - Washington Post
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines - WHO
- US pulls funding from global vaccines group, saying it has 'ignored the science' - ABC News
- Statement - gavi.org
