Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverses course on childhood vaccine schedule

To secure the votes needed for confirmation as the nation’s top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured a U.S. senator that he would not alter the country’s vaccination schedule. However, during his first address to employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday, he announced plans to investigate the schedule that currently protects against diseases like measles and polio.

Kennedy emphasized that “nothing is going to be off limits” as part of his broader review of public health concerns. He stated that his agency would also examine the effects of pesticides, food additives, microplastics, antidepressants, and electromagnetic waves from cellphones and microwaves.

Kennedy’s statements have raised concerns about his commitment to Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana who was initially hesitant to support his nomination due to Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism. Cassidy ultimately voted to advance the nomination after Kennedy assured him that he would not alter the federal vaccine schedule. Cassidy has emphasized that the science behind vaccines is clear and that they are essential for preventing disease.

This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.

Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story.