Amna Nawaz
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WATCH: RFK Jr., former anti-vaccine activist, backs measles vaccine in Senate hearing
Posted
April 22, 2026
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April 22, 2026
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1:47Now PlayingHHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday that the federal government promotes vaccination against the highly contagious measles virus.
During his morning appearance before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy said that the United States has “one of the highest vaccination rates for measles on Earth.”
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., asked Kennedy if he agreed that the measles vaccine is “vital to keeping American children healthy in this country.” Kennedy has made false comments in the past that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes severe health effects and only offers temporary protection. In fact, the MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective and provides lifelong protection for most people.
“We promote the measles vaccine,” Kennedy told Bennet on Wednesday.
According to CDC data, as of April 16, the U.S. had 1,748 confirmed measles cases since the beginning of the year. In 2025, the U.S. had 2,288 confirmed measles cases – the highest number since 1,274 cases were reported in 2019.
The CDC also notes that only 10 states – California, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine – had 95% or more MMR vaccination coverage among kindergarten students in the 2024-2025 school year. Herd immunity protection occurs when more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated.
“The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and effective,” the CDC says on its website.
Kennedy was expected to face questioning about his controversial changes to vaccine policy, as well as new dietary guidelines and proposed Medicaid cuts. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician, committee member and influential chair of the Senate Health Committee, will have opportunities in two hearings Wednesday to press Kennedy, whose approach to vaccines he’s criticized in the past.
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