Rep. Jake Auchincloss, representing Massachusetts' 4th district in the U.S. Congress, has taken to social media to express concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s involvement in vaccine-related decisions and potential public health implications. Auchincloss, who succeeded Joe Kennedy III in 2021, highlighted specific actions by RFK Jr. and his associates that could impact public health policies.
On January 30, 2025, Rep. Auchincloss stated, "Fact: RFK Jr’s lawyer, Aaron Siri, is helping RFK Jr select HHS officials–after he petitioned the FDA to revoke the polio vaccine in 2022. This vaccine has prevented 1.5 million childhood deaths." He noted that in May 2021, RFK Jr himself had petitioned the FDA regarding vaccine authorization.
In another post on the same day, Auchincloss posed a question concerning future political interventions by RFK Jr., asking "Question: Will RFK Jr commit to not direct political appointees to intervene in the approval or requirement process for existing vaccines?"
Further addressing public health concerns on January 30, 2025, Auchincloss shared data indicating a decline in herd immunity rates for measles across several U.S. states. He warned that "RFK Jr’s potential cuts to this program risk a comeback of measles."
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