RFK Jr. Recommends Measles Vaccines for Community Immunity While Supporting Personal Choice

As Texas battles a growing measles outbreak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stepped into the spotlight, advocating for vaccines to promote community immunity while underscoring the importance of personal choice. In a conversation with Fox News' Dr. Marc Siegel, RFK Jr. addressed the delicate balance between public health and individual freedom.

"The new Health and Human Services secretary told me he is recommending vaccines for the purpose of community immunity," Siegel shared with Sandra Smith on "America Reports." Kennedy is working closely with Texas health officials to distribute more doses of the vaccine across the state.

While encouraging vaccination, RFK Jr. also acknowledged the skepticism many communities, like the Mennonites, harbor toward vaccines. Tragically, this distrust has had dire consequences, as evidenced by the recent death of an unvaccinated girl in Texas. Kennedy emphasized that vaccines not only protect the vaccinated but also shield vulnerable individuals with immune disorders who cannot safely receive the shot themselves.

"If you do get vaccinated, you’re protecting those people from a possible spread," Kennedy explained, highlighting the ripple effect of individual health choices.

The numbers are sobering: 108 cases treated in a mere 48 hours, with the outbreak showing no signs of slowing down. Since late January, Texas has reported 159 cases, 22 of which required hospitalization. And it doesn't stop at state lines — the measles virus has jumped borders, with 164 cases reported nationwide, spanning states like California, New York, and even Alaska.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that most cases involve unvaccinated school-aged children. A quick glance at last year’s data shows 285 cases for the entire year, with 40% requiring hospitalization. At this rate, 2025 is poised to surpass that grim tally.

Amid the urgency, Kennedy is calling for greater transparency and more studies on vaccines, as well as accurate reporting of vaccine-related injuries. It’s a plea that reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing scientific progress with public trust. He also pointed to alternative therapies, including cod liver oil rich in vitamins A and D, as part of the broader strategy to combat the disease.

In Pennsylvania, a measles case triggered a traveler warning at New York City’s JFK Airport, where passengers in Terminal 4 on February 25 may have been exposed. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly this highly contagious virus can spread. The CDC warns that the virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has departed.

Texas health officials continue to stress the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which remains the best defense against infection. Two doses are recommended for maximum protection.

With nearly 200 cases reported nationwide since the start of the year, the message is clear: while personal choice is respected, public health hangs in the balance. As Kennedy aptly puts it, "This outbreak is a call to action for all of us."