California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington state officials issued a joint statement Tuesday denouncing what they call “hazardous misinformation” from the federal government regarding vaccine safety and autism.
The criticism follows the appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate, to a health-related position within a potential second Trump administration. Kennedy, frequently enough referred to as RFK Jr.,has previously promoted conspiracy theories,including the claim that COVID-19 was engineered to spare “Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese” and that HIV does not cause AIDS.
RFK Jr. has indicated plans to restructure American health agencies,potentially including staff reductions and budget cuts,and has pledged to investigate autism rates.
The Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its website to include a mention of the link between vaccine use and autism, a move that has drawn criticism from public health experts.
Some experts have likened the Trump administration’s approach to science to practices “in the Middle Ages.”
The four states – all governed by Democrats and members of a “health alliance” formed in September – expressed “deep concern” over the CDC’s direction and reaffirmed their commitment to following recommended childhood vaccination schedules.
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