Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered the keynote address on September 17, 2026, at a conference for the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, which he previously chaired. In his speech, Kennedy expressed support for the administration's efforts to modify vaccine guidance, stating, "You have a strong and steadfast friend in the White House. We've accomplished in 19 months things that would have seemed unthinkable two years ago." He highlighted the administration's attempts to reduce the childhood vaccination schedule and reshape a key vaccine advisory board, although these actions have been halted by a court ruling.
Kennedy's remarks come amid rising concerns about vaccine safety and a significant increase in measles cases in the United States, with seven reported measles-associated deaths in the last two years. Pennsylvania officials reported four measles-associated deaths this year, all involving unvaccinated individuals. Governor Josh Shapiro criticized Kennedy's appearance at the conference, stating that he should have promoted vaccination instead of fostering fear and mistrust.
Mary Holland, CEO of Children's Health Defense, praised Kennedy for addressing issues surrounding childhood vaccinations. Following Kennedy's speech, Andrew Wakefield, known for a discredited study linking the MMR vaccine to autism, also spoke at the event. Shaughnessy Naughton, founder of 314 Action, criticized Kennedy's participation, suggesting it reflects a lack of seriousness regarding public health amid the ongoing measles outbreak.