(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — In the midst of the growing health care crisis, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine panel rolled back hepatitis B guidance, putting newborns and children at risk of infection.
Doctors, nurses, health care professionals, and elected officials across the nation condemned the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ decision, emphasizing the deadly consequences for generations to come. As scientists and doctors, 314 Action’s candidates are deeply committed to protecting health care and keeping Americans safe and healthy.
What they’re saying:
Dr. Annie Andrews, candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina:
“RFK Jr. just pushed our public health system off a cliff.”
Dr. Thomas Fisher, candidate for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District:
“The science is clear: vaccines works. Yet this ruling trades proven benefit for unproven risk. As physicians, our job is to keep people safe and today’s decision is a further assault on one of our most effective tools.”
Dr. Richard Pan, candidate for California’s 6th Congressional District:
“RFK Jr.’s chosen ACIP voted to end the 30yr HepB vaccine at birth recommendation that saved hundreds of lives every year. RFK Jr is increasing chronic disease, cancer & health costs. I will fight for science to reduce disease & costs for Americans.”
Dr. Tina Shah, candidate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District:
“I’m furious. This dangerous decision goes against decades of data and scientific evidence and will put kids at risk. We need more doctors in Congress to fight back.”
Sara Rodriguez, candidate for governor of Wisconsin:
“This is outrageous.
Today’s vote guts newborn hepatitis B protections, ignores decades of science, and puts politics over kids’ health.
I’m a mom, nurse, and former CDC officer — and we need leaders who defend public health, not dismantle it.”
Senator John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator for Colorado:
“After RFK Jr. fired all 17 nonpartisan vaccine experts, it’s clear he’s getting what he wants: conspiracies and disinformation.
We introduced a bill this week to restore the ACIP to its original purpose: vaccine guidance based on science and data so families can trust public health again.”
Representative Kathy Castor, Representative of Florida’s 14th Congressional District:
“Medical advice should be taken from your trusted doctor, not RFK Jr and his partisan appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective and has reduced infant hep B infections by 99% since 1991.”
Representative Kim Schrier, Representative of Washington’s 8th Congressional District:
“The ramifications of today’s decision — made without any indication that a newborn dose is unsafe — will be horrific. Ninety percent of those infected as newborns will go on to have chronic hepatitis B, and many of them will die prematurely from liver disease or liver cancer.
This is entirely preventable.”
Representative Arvind Venkat, State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 30th District:
“Chaos & Conspiracy Theories vs. Competence
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s “scientists” cherry-picking discredited “studies” versus CDC experts & actual scientists showing the Hep B vaccine is safe and effective.
I fear what happens next. We must pass HB 1828 & 1881 to protect Pennsylvania.”
