ABC News Daily How RFK Jr is eroding global trust in vaccines
Aug 14, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Professor Julie Leask, a leading public health expert at the University of Sydney, delves into the alarming impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine rhetoric. She highlights how his skepticism towards mRNA vaccines is eroding global trust and emphasizes the consequences of misinformation, particularly on public perception. Leask addresses the dangerous restructuring of vaccine oversight committees and the recent cancellation of significant research funding, arguing for the urgent need to bolster vaccine development and public confidence.
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Origin Of Kennedy's Vaccine Campaign
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began focusing on vaccines after hearing parents' concerns linking vaccines to autism and framed vaccines as a form of pollution.
- Julie Leask stresses decades of rigorous studies show no link between vaccines and autism.
Pattern Of Rejecting Established Science
- Kennedy frequently rejects established science across multiple diseases, including HIV, polio, and measles.
- Leask warns this pattern redirects resources away from productive autism research and misleads parents.
Be Transparent About Vaccine Risks
- Acknowledge vaccines carry rare risks but emphasise that benefits far outweigh them.
- Communicate clearly about known side effects like myocarditis while reinforcing overall lives saved.