US Health Officials Demand Kennedy Stop Spreading Vaccine Misinformation

Hundreds of current and former employees of US health agencies have publicly criticised Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading false information about vaccines, warning that his actions put public health workers at risk.

The open letter, released on Wednesday, came nearly two weeks after an armed attack on the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

• Date of Attack: 8 August
• Location: CDC headquarters, Atlanta
• Incident: Gunman, blaming the Covid-19 vaccine for his illness, targeted multiple buildings, killing a police officer

The signees of the letter stated that the attack “was not random”, attributing it to growing mistrust in public institutions, fueled by politicised rhetoric that has transformed health professionals from trusted experts into targets of both villainisation and violence.

Accusations Against Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine sceptic, has been accused of:

• Spreading false information about vaccines
• Criticising the agencies he oversees as corrupt
• Fueling public mistrust in health institutions

The open letter said: “Kennedy is complicit in dismantling America’s public health infrastructure and endangering the nation’s health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information.”

It urged the health secretary to change his stance immediately.

Public Response

Since assuming office, Kennedy—nephew of assassinated president John F. Kennedy—has made numerous pronouncements contradicting scientific consensus, particularly regarding vaccines.

• A petition calling for Congress to impeach Kennedy had gathered over 12,600 signatures by Wednesday.
• Many federal employees who signed the open letter did so anonymously, fearing retaliation.

This open letter follows previous denunciations by federal employees of actions taken by the Trump administration. Speaking out carries risk: nearly 140 Environmental Protection Agency staffers who publicly criticised policies last month were placed on leave.

Key Points