A three-year-old child receives the Covid-19 vaccine on June 21, 2022.

Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

hide caption

toggle caption

Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine stance, assumes leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatrician and infectious disease expert, expresses significant concerns.

Speaking independently, Ratner states: “It’s alarming to think that an individual who has dedicated much of his career to eroding trust in vaccines and dismantling the systems that support vaccine approval could be poised to gain influence over the very infrastructure that aims to uphold those standards.”

While Kennedy asserts that he is not “anti-vaccine,” he has consistently raised doubts regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for COVID-19 and other viral threats such as measles. Ratner expresses worry about the availability of vaccines in the future, as well as public trust in vaccination efforts.

“As my mentors often say, ‘it’s far easier to frighten individuals than to reassure them,'” comments Ratner. “By promoting anti-vaccine sentiments through figures like RFK Jr., we may unintentionally foster a crisis in vaccine confidence across the nation.”

Ratner observes that measles, once deemed a “resolved issue” due to effective vaccination campaigns, has recently shown signs of resurgence: “We had a vaccine for it since the 1960s, and it had become exceedingly rare. Yet, in 2018 and 2019, a significant outbreak occurred in New York City, resulting in approximately 650 cases, some of which were severe.”

In his newly published book, Booster Shots, Ratner argues that controlling measles serves as a litmus test for the robustness of our public health systems, making its return all the more alarming.

“The emergence of measles indicates a breakdown within our public health frameworks and growing skepticism surrounding vaccinations,” he remarks. “I’m genuinely concerned that decisions made over the next couple of years could have enduring repercussions on children’s health not only in the U.S. but globally.”

Key Discussion Points

 Why controlling measles is a challenge

Measles is recognized as the most contagious disease known. It outpaces flu, polio, Ebola, and even COVID-19 in infection rates within unvaccinated groups, potentially spreading to 90% of those exposed. If an infected individual enters a room full of unimmunized people, 90% of them can contract measles from just one person, an infection rate that exceeds most other diseases.

Lasting Effects of Anti-Vaccine Propaganda

We inhabit a world where children are largely growing up healthy and happy, and diseases once thought to be life-threatening have been controlled through vaccination—a realization achieved through substantial efforts, both scientifically and policy-wise. These accomplishments include building resilient infrastructures capable of adapting to funding variations and ensuring vaccines reach all children, regardless of their families’ financial constraints. The current state of child health is not merely a given, but a result of ongoing commitment.

Reflection on Public Response to COVID Vaccination

The collective experience of the pandemic has been unique for everyone. I distinctly recall the moment I received my first mRNA vaccine dose—as well as the day my wife and daughter were vaccinated. Those moments were emotional victories, reaffirming my belief in the power of science and its ability to save lives. At that time, I naively thought the anti-vaccine sentiment might diminish as the public witnessed the effectiveness of vaccination during the pandemic. However, five years later, I now see I underestimated the resilience of the anti-vaccine movement.

COVID-19 vaccines have saved countless lives and represent a remarkable achievement in public health, yet this positive narrative remains underrepresented in public discourse.

Implications of NIH Funding Cuts by the Trump Administration

The U.S. biomedical research community is exceptional, yielding developments that benefit all citizens. The COVID-19 vaccines owe their existence to research funded by the NIH, as do various chemotherapy treatments and emerging gene therapies aimed at curing diseases. Such advancements stem from foundational NIH-funded basic research, which is crucial for public health both in the short and long term. The recent executive order capping NIH indirect costs at 15% poses a serious financial burden on universities and research institutions, risking job losses and lab closures due to unanticipated financial constraints.

Combating Two Challenges: Pathogens and Misinformation

The current environment is vastly different from earlier eras, where there were limited media channels and collaboration between public health organizations and news outlets was common. Now, we face a reality with unrestricted information, including a significant amount that is inaccurate or malicious. It is imperative for organizations like the CDC and public health agencies to proactively counter misinformation propagated by anti-vaccine groups. Furthermore, outreach to individual families and communities is essential, providing accurate information and the opportunity for dialogue to help clarify confusion stemming from false narratives.

Sam Briger and Anna Bauman produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, and Carmel Wroth adapted it for the web.