The Opinions Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Impact So Far: ‘The Worst Possible Case’
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Aug 13, 2025 
Economist Emily Oster, CEO of Parent Data, dives into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial vaccine policies and their potential impact on public health. She discusses the recent $500 million cut in mRNA vaccine research funding and its ripple effects on vaccine perception. The conversation touches on the rising skepticism towards vaccines, challenges in public health messaging, and the complexities of food-related health initiatives. Oster emphasizes the need to rebuild trust in public health institutions and the future of healthy diet movements amid growing processed food consumption.
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mRNA Funding Cuts Risk Future Preparedness
- Cutting $500 million for mRNA research reduces our fastest vaccine platform and slows future pandemic responses.
- Emily Oster warns this limits better flu, RSV, HIV and cancer immunotherapy prospects.
Worst-Case Mix: Performative Food, Harmful Vaccine Policy
- RFK Jr.'s leadership combines mild food reforms with aggressive vaccine skepticism.
- Oster says this mix produces the worst possible outcome: performative food moves and damaging vaccine rollbacks.
Be Nuanced About Boosters To Preserve Trust
- Avoid dismissing the 2021 vaccine breakthrough despite imperfect long-term immunity.
- Oster recommends acknowledging nuance in booster messaging to preserve public trust.