United States: Health workers file complaint against Health Minister for his anti-vaccine stance

Since taking office, Robert Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure for his anti-vaccine stance, has initiated a major overhaul of U.S. health authorities and their vaccination policy.

At the end of May, he announced on his social media that federal authorities would no longer recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, a measure denounced by these healthcare associations.

The latter, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), are denouncing the unilateral action that puts these populations at risk. They are calling for its cancellation in a joint complaint filed in Massachusetts, a state in the northeastern United States.

"It is completely inconceivable to deprive a parent of the opportunity and choice to protect their children through vaccination," said Tina Tan, an infectious disease pediatrician at IDSA, during a press conference.

The complaint also mentions the minister's recent dismissal of all the experts on a prominent vaccination advisory group (ACIP) and their replacement with mostly controversial professionals.

A reshuffle that worries the profession

"We are on a dangerous path," warned Susan Kressly of the Academy of Pediatrics, denouncing the false information relayed by the minister about vaccines, and reporting the growing concern of her peers and patients alike.

They are "confused and scared" and "hesitant to get vaccinated. They no longer trust the system," added Jason Goldman, president of the National Council of Physicians of America.