Fact Check: RFK Jr, now supports vaccines despite initially opposing them

RFK Jr. Now Supports Vaccines Despite Initially Opposing Them

Introduction

The claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) now supports vaccines, despite a long history of opposing them, has gained traction in recent discussions, particularly in the context of his nomination as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. This assertion raises questions about the evolution of his stance on vaccination, especially given his previous reputation as a prominent anti-vaccine advocate.

What We Know

1. Historical Opposition to Vaccines: RFK Jr. has been a well-known figure in the anti-vaccine movement for many years. He founded the nonprofit organization Children's Health Defense, which has been instrumental in promoting vaccine misinformation and skepticism 3. His rhetoric has often centered around claims linking vaccines to various health issues, including autism, despite overwhelming scientific consensus refuting these claims 38.

2. Recent Endorsements: In April 2025, RFK Jr. publicly endorsed the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine during his tenure as Health and Human Services Secretary. This endorsement was met with significant backlash from his supporters who had previously aligned with his anti-vaccine views 4.

3. Claims of Non-Anti-Vaccine Stance: During his confirmation hearings, RFK Jr. asserted that he is not anti-vaccine, stating that he supports vaccinations but calls for more transparency and safety studies 610. This statement contrasts sharply with his past public comments, where he has disparaged vaccines numerous times 9.

4. Public Perception and Reactions: The shift in RFK Jr.'s public stance has led to confusion and skepticism among both his supporters and opponents. Many in the medical community have expressed concern that his previous anti-vaccine advocacy could undermine public trust in vaccinations 89.

Analysis

The claim that RFK Jr. now supports vaccines is complex and requires careful examination of his statements and actions.

• Source Reliability: Sources such as NPR and AP News have a reputation for journalistic integrity and fact-checking, making them generally reliable for reporting on public figures and health-related issues 43. However, it is important to consider potential biases; for instance, NPR's coverage often includes perspectives from the medical community that may be critical of RFK Jr.'s past actions.

• Contradictory Evidence: While RFK Jr. has made recent endorsements of specific vaccines, his historical context cannot be overlooked. His long-standing opposition to vaccines and the promotion of misinformation raises questions about the sincerity of his current claims 39. The juxtaposition of his past and present statements suggests a possible strategic shift rather than a genuine change of heart.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind RFK Jr.'s claims of supporting vaccines lacks transparency. For instance, he has called for more studies on vaccine safety without providing specific evidence or data to support his assertions 6. This raises questions about the credibility of his current position, as it appears to be based on a demand for further research rather than an acceptance of existing scientific consensus.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that RFK Jr. now supports vaccines is partially true. Evidence indicates that he has made recent endorsements of specific vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine, and has publicly stated that he is not anti-vaccine. However, this claim must be contextualized by his extensive history of opposing vaccines and promoting misinformation, which complicates the interpretation of his current stance.

The nuance in this situation lies in the potential for a strategic shift rather than a complete change of heart. While he may express support for vaccinations now, his previous actions and statements raise legitimate questions about the sincerity and motivations behind his current endorsements.

It is also important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The lack of transparency regarding his calls for more safety studies and the absence of a clear, consistent message further contribute to the uncertainty surrounding his position.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the broader context when assessing claims about public figures and their stances on important health issues.

Sources

1. Keesha Middlemass examines how RFK Jr.'s vaccine rhetoric and medical misinformation could deepen distrust from the Black community. - Brookings https://www.brookings.edu/articles/rfk-jr-s-history-of-medical-misinformation-raises-concerns-over-hhs-nomination/
2. Robert F Kennedy Jr has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next US health secretary. - BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mzk2y41zvo
3. Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was building up a following with his anti-vaccine nonprofit group. - AP News https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa
4. An endorsement of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has provoked an angry backlash. - NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/07/nx-s1-5354900/hhs-rfk-endorses-mmr-measles-vaccine-stoking-supporters-fury
5. With anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of the nation's biggest health agency, it wouldn't take much tampering to enable misinformation. - NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/06/nx-s1-5218574/rfk-vaccines-anti-vaccine-infectious-disease
6. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent two days insisting to senators that he's not anti-vaccine. - AP News https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b
7. Health secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy Jr is about to face a grilling from senators in what could be the toughest confirmation hearings yet. - BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gx3kkz8z3o
8. The prospect of his confirmation has resulted in opposition from many people in the medical field, who cite his extensive history of promoting inaccurate claims on vaccines. - NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/01/28/nx-s1-5274744/rfk-confirmation-vaccines-health-secretary
9. A Post examination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s statements finds the candidate for the nation's top health post has repeatedly disparaged vaccines. - Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/01/28/rfk-jr-disparaged-vaccines-dozens-times-recent-years-misled-race/
10. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed he is not against vaccination, contrary to decades of public comments. - TIME https://time.com/7210943/rfk-confirmation-hearing-vaccines/