Anti-vaccine bills pop up across the US ahead of RFK Jr's confirmation hearing

Source: The Independent

Monday 27 January 2025 10:21 EST


Bills challenging vaccine mandates have popped up in more than 15 states, with sceptic lawmakers emboldened by President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and RFK Jr.’s nomination as health secretary. Lawmakers aim to potentially resurrect or create new religious exemptions from immunization mandates, establish state-level vaccine injury databases or dictate what providers must tell patients about the shots.

RFK Jr., a known vaccine-sceptic, faces his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Senators have already spoken to him, highlighting the importance of vaccination, and, shortly after the election, he promised not to “take away” anybody’s vaccines, according to NBC.

However, experts worry he could have a significant impact on childhoold immunization policies, at a time when the vaccination rates against dangerous childhood infections like measles and polio continue to fall nationwide. The number of parents claiming non-medical exemptions so their kids don't get required shots is rising.

In 2024, whooping cough cases reached a decade-high and 16 measles outbreaks, the largest among them in Chicago and Minnesota, put health officials on edge. Most states are below the 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners — the level needed to protect communities against measles outbreaks.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-vaccine-bills-confirmation-hearing-b2687064.html