The Big Story U.S. Senate vs. RFK Jr.: How Canadians are feeling the impacts
Sep 9, 2025
Kashif Pirzada, a Toronto-based emergency physician and co-chair of the Canadian Covid Society, delves into the implications of RFK Jr.'s controversial decisions on Canadian healthcare. He discusses the rise of vaccine hesitancy spurred by misinformation, especially in light of the historical significance of vaccinations. The conversation also highlights the erosion of trust in public institutions during the pandemic, the potential repercussions of misinformation on maternal health, and the vital collaboration needed among medical professionals to address these challenges.
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Hearing Showed Real Power To Disrupt Health Policy
- RFK Jr.'s Senate hearing intensified concerns because he used the platform to defend controversial firings and stances on vaccines.
- His position as HHS secretary gives those views power to disrupt public-health programs across borders.
Quick Impact On Vaccine Programs
- RFK Jr. targeted childhood vaccinations soon after taking office, creating confusion around routine vaccine rollout and access in the U.S.
- That confusion has already affected flu and COVID vaccine programs and forced state-level patchwork responses.
Measles Vaccine Prevents Deadly Resurgence
- Measles vaccination is highly effective and prevented deaths that were common before widespread immunization.
- Reduced uptake risks local outbreaks that could spread if herd immunity weakens over time.