Kennedy Jr. Validates Anti-Vaccine Agenda at CHD Conference Amid Measles Crisis

Key points

• Kennedy Jr. addressed the Children’s Health Defense (CHD) conference, a nonprofit he co-founded, on September 17, 2026.
• He used a hepatitis B vaccine package insert to argue that clinical trials involved too few participants and lacked placebos, despite FDA acceptance of the data.
• Kennedy claimed 454 adverse events are linked to vaccines, including diabetes and autoimmune diseases, though the insert notes these cannot be reliably correlated.
• HHS is investigating over 150 serious adverse events and updating the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
• The speech took place during a severe measles outbreak, with at least four deaths reported in Pennsylvania.
• Andrew Wakefield, a discredited physician, was scheduled to speak after Kennedy.

Background

Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism for his vaccine policies since taking office, including changes to the childhood immunization schedule that are subject to ongoing lawsuits. Previous coverage noted his rhetoric following measles deaths in Pennsylvania and a large study debunking the MMR-autism link. The current event follows a period of heightened public health concern due to declining vaccination rates.

How outlets are covering it

STAT News and The Washington Post emphasize the misleading nature of Kennedy’s claims, noting that medical experts consider his arguments about vaccine safety to be inaccurate. AP News focuses on Kennedy’s pledge to support anti-vaccine activists, highlighting his statement that they have a 'friend at the White House.' MS NOW frames the event as predictable behavior from an unqualified official, criticizing the 52 Senate Republicans who confirmed him despite his anti-science reputation. All sources agree on the timing of the speech amid a measles crisis, but differ in tone: STAT and WaPo focus on the scientific inaccuracy, while MS NOW focuses on political accountability.

Why it matters

The speech signals continued federal support for anti-vaccine movements, potentially undermining public health efforts during a measles outbreak. It may influence midterm elections and the future of vaccine policy in the U.S.

What to watch

HHS will continue its investigation into vaccine adverse events and update VAERS. The midterm elections may serve as a referendum on Kennedy’s health agenda. Ongoing lawsuits regarding the childhood immunization schedule will proceed.