In the 1960s, the Kennedy name was synonymous with American greatness, largely thanks to John F. Kennedy’s leadership and vision. Fast forward to today, and the Kennedy legacy is often linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has gained notoriety for his staunch anti-vaccine stance. This shift from admiration to controversy has led many to question his approach to public health—especially when it comes to vaccines.
RFK Jr.’s skepticism toward vaccines isn’t new, but it’s drawn significant attention due to his ties to President-elect Donald Trump, who considered him for a health secretary role. The idea that someone with such views might oversee public health policy has raised concerns across the nation. But the situation grew more complicated when it was revealed that in 2022, an associate of RFK Jr., lawyer Aaron Siri, petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. It’s important to note that Siri, unlike RFK Jr., is not a medical doctor.
Siri has a history of filing requests like this on behalf of private citizens, with a focus on challenging vaccine safety. His firm, which has decades of experience in vaccine injury cases, claims a high success rate in obtaining vaccine exemptions. This same firm is also helping RFK Jr. select health officials for his potential administration. The petition to the FDA wasn’t limited to the polio vaccine. Siri also requested that vaccines for hepatitis B, tetanus, and diphtheria be paused, citing concerns about the long-term safety of these vaccines.
The polio vaccine, which has been in use since 1955, is widely regarded as one of the greatest medical achievements of the 20th century. Before its introduction, polio was a terrifying disease that caused widespread death and paralysis, especially in children. Despite the historical success of the vaccine, RFK Jr. and his supporters argue that more research is needed, claiming that existing studies don’t adequately assess the long-term safety of the vaccine.
Interestingly, RFK Jr. has previously discussed vaccines with Trump, who promised to conduct “very serious testing” of vaccines and said he would consider removing vaccines from the market if they were found to be unsafe. However, Trump has specifically praised the polio vaccine, calling it “the greatest thing.” He also made it clear that anyone who wanted to remove the polio vaccine would have a tough case to make.
Siri’s petition to the FDA suggested that the polio vaccine be paused for infants and toddlers until a properly controlled, long-term clinical trial could be conducted to ensure its safety. This idea is rooted in concerns about whether the vaccine’s long-term effects have been adequately studied, especially given that children are often vaccinated with their first dose at just two months old.
While the fate of RFK Jr.’s potential health secretary appointment remains uncertain, the revelations about Siri’s petition are unsettling for many who believe in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. It seems unlikely that the polio vaccine, which has been instrumental in eradicating a deadly disease, will be removed from use. However, the fact that such petitions are gaining traction is a concerning development in the ongoing debate over vaccines in the U.S.