A Health Secretary’s Speech: What It Means for Vaccine Questions

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the United States health secretary. On September 17, 2026, he spoke at a conference in Washington, D.C. The event was run by Children’s Health Defense, a group that questions vaccines. He told the audience, “You have a strong and steadfast friend at the White House.”

The conference included speakers who said the polio vaccine was a 'fraud' and who repeated other doubts about vaccines. This talk happened while the United States faces a large measles outbreak. Many health groups warn that fewer vaccinations can make outbreaks worse. People who worry about vaccines say they want more answers. Other people say vaccines keep children safe.