Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin a “scientific process” to look for treatments other than vaccines for measles.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement in which it noted that, although vaccination is still the “most effective way to prevent the disease,” “we recognize that some individuals and communities across the U.S. may choose not to vaccinate.”
“Our commitment is to support all families – regardless of their vaccination status – in reducing the risk of hospitalization, serious complications, and death from measles.”
“Secretary Kennedy will be enlisting the entire agency to activate a scientific process to treat a host of diseases, including measles, with single or multiple existing drugs in combination with vitamins and other modalities,” the statement continues.
“This effort will involve collaboration with universities nationwide to develop protocols, conduct testing, and pursue approval for new uses of safe and effective therapeutics that meet the highest scientific standards.”
In a new measles treatment overview posted on its website, the CDC says that “vitamin A may be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider” and that “other therapies, such as antibiotics should be prescribed based on clinical judgement by an individual healthcare provider.”
The overview also suggests the use of inhaled steroids as a treatment.
Secretary Kennedy has been on the receiving end of sharp criticism from long-term supporters for his newfound advocacy of the measles vaccine.
At the beginning of last month, he Tweeted that “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine.”
“What’s the point of writing an entire book about dangers of long term side effects of untested vaccines if you aren’t going to mention it once in power?” one Kennedy follower wrote in response to the post.
“You really make a great poster boy for Big Pharma. So much for ‘MAHA.’ GROSS,” wrote another.
Even Kennedy’s very own health nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, which he founded and served as chairman of, distanced itself from him.
“What he says does not speak for Children’s Health Defense in any way at this point,” said the organization’s CEO Mary Holland.
Some suggested Kennedy was being blackmailed.
A multistate measles outbreak centering on west Texas has now reached 800 cases.