RFK Jr. is a Danger to My Children
Why we must resist RFK Jr's anti-science anti-vaxxer anti-public health
My Fellow Democracy Defenders,
RFK Jr. is a threat to all children’s health.
My partner and I are mortified that RFK Jr. may soon run our Department of Health and Human Services. One of our children is immunocompromised. The other is autistic and non-binary. RFK will put their lives at risk. We must do everything we can to resist his nomination and protect public health, even if he is confirmed. Can we bring Dr. Fauci out of retirement to run HHS?
Public Service Announcement: Please remember to get your flu shots and COVID boosters before you mingle for the holidays.
REMINDER: I am a government worker writing anonymously because I fear retribution. Your support will give me courage to speak truth to power. If I lose my civil service career because of Trump’s fascism and DOGE, any income from Substack will help me support my partner, our children, and our adorable cats.
RFK Jr. is considered a threat to public health by many scientists, experts, and organizations because he has spread misinformation about vaccines. He is the worst of many bad Trump nominations. Here are the main reasons why he is so dangerous:
Anti-Vaccine Advocacy
RFK Jr. has been a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement for years. He has repeatedly promoted the false idea that vaccines are unsafe and linked to conditions like autism, despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing that vaccines are safe, effective, and critical for preventing infectious diseases. His organization, ironically named Children's Health Defense, spreads misinformation about vaccines, amplifying fears that are not supported by credible science.
Undermining Trust in Institutions
RFK Jr. has publicly questioned the integrity of organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the scientific community at large. By spreading distrust, he undermines public confidence in these institutions that play a key role in safeguarding public health.
Spreading COVID Misinformation
During the COVID pandemic, RFK Jr. promoted misinformation about COVID vaccines, masks, lockdowns, and treatments. He falsely claimed that the vaccines were unsafe and untested, despite extensive clinical trials and real-world data showing their safety and effectiveness. He also spread conspiracy theories about the origins of COVID, further fueling public confusion and distrust.
Public Health Consequences
Misinformation promoted by RFK Jr. and others in the anti-vaccine movement has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. Lower vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as measles, which reemerged in some areas due to declining immunization rates. His rhetoric has far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations, as the spread of misinformation can discourage people from seeking life-saving vaccines or adhering to public health guidelines.
Conspiracy Theories and Fear-Mongering
RFK Jr. has been associated with promoting conspiracy theories related to vaccines, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. These narratives often lack evidence but appeal to distrustful and skeptical segments of the population, further complicating efforts to promote evidence-based public health recommendations. His actions contribute to a larger trend of science denialism, which undermines efforts to combat infectious diseases, achieve herd immunity, and respond effectively to health crises. By spreading misinformation, he poses a risk not only to individuals who believe his claims but also to society at large, as diseases can spread more easily in under-vaccinated communities. RFK Jr. is viewed as a threat to public health because his promotion of vaccine misinformation, distrust in science, and conspiracy theories have the potential to harm public health efforts, increase disease outbreaks, and erode trust in lifesaving medical interventions.
Dear Professor
: How can we get immunized from the mump regime?
I'd suggest following "Your Local Epidemiologist" on Substack. She is a public health consultant to CDC among other organizations. We are definitely going to need her advice for the next several years at least, no matter who's in charge of CDC, NIH etc. I have a medical background and I've been following her for over a year now. I trust her advice!
Thanks for all that you're doing as a defender of democracy. Just please be careful with sharing details about your babies. I would hate for something to compromise your anonymity, and if your colleagues know this info about your littles, you may not remain anonymous for much longer. Stay safe, friendo. 💙