Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is stirring controversy again by claiming that getting measles offers better protection than the vaccine, despite growing concerns over outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
In an interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Kennedy said that “natural immunity” from contracting measles provides lasting protection, while the vaccine may not offer the same long-term defense. However, doctors warn that the dangers of contracting measles far outweigh any potential benefit of natural immunity.
“It used to be when you and I were kids, everybody got measles,” Kennedy told Hannity. “And measles gave you protection, lifetime protection against measles infection. The vaccine doesn’t do that. The vaccine is effective for some people, for life, but many people it wanes.”
His comments are misleading, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the majority of people who receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine will be protected for life. The CDC also offers guidance for those who may need revaccination, further contradicting Kennedy’s claims.
Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, measles caused about 500,000 cases and 500 deaths annually in the U.S., with the actual number of cases likely higher. Since the vaccine’s introduction, the number of measles cases has dropped by more than 95%, according to the CDC.
Kennedy also emphasized that he supports vaccine choice and opposes mandates, saying, “I’m a freedom of choice person. We should have transparency. We should have informed choice. And — but if people don’t want it, the government shouldn’t force them to do it. There are adverse events from the vaccine. It does cause deaths every year. It causes all the illnesses that measles itself causes.”
Despite his skepticism toward vaccines, Kennedy did admit that the measles vaccine “does stop the spread of the disease,” which is a key reason health experts continue to encourage vaccination.
As of this year, the U.S. has seen multiple measles outbreaks, including one in Texas, where 223 cases have been reported since late January, and one death from a school-age girl who was unvaccinated. New Mexico is also battling a measles outbreak, with 33 confirmed cases. An adult who contracted the disease in New Mexico recently died, though the cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
Kennedy has also suggested, without evidence, that malnutrition and lack of access to fresh food may have contributed to the death in Texas.
The CDC continues to highlight that the measles vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. The agency provides thorough information about potential side effects and identifies who should avoid the vaccine, making it clear that vaccination remains the most reliable way to protect against measles.
Check out the clip on Bluesky, and the response from MSNBC’s Morning Joe below:
RFK Jr: "It used to be that everybody got measles. And the measles gave you lifetime protection against measles infection. The vaccine doesn't do that … it used to be that very young kids were protected by breast milk. Women who get vaccinated do not provide that level of immunity."
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) March 11, 2025 at 8:41 PM
