An online conflict erupted between Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, and Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, following the deaths of two unvaccinated individuals due to measles-related causes. Although measles wasn’t the direct cause of death, Shapiro attributed the disease’s spread to Kennedy and the Trump administration in a press conference.
Shapiro mentioned a heated phone discussion with Kennedy, stating, “I was blunt with him, making clear that his actions and rhetoric are negatively affecting communities across America, particularly in Pennsylvania.”
On social media, Kennedy denied spreading misinformation, accusing Shapiro of misleading the public. He posted links to a website run by Del Bigtree, an anti-vaccine activist. Shapiro claimed Kennedy’s conversation mainly focused on the presence of “fetal tissue” in vaccines, which medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics have clarified. While some vaccines were developed with fetal cells, modern vaccines contain no fetal tissue.
Shapiro urged Kennedy to promote vaccination instead of misinformation. Kennedy reportedly said returning to “natural measles” would be better, and Shapiro highlighted Kennedy’s discrediting of public health guidance as a reason for disease outbreaks.
In response, Kennedy encouraged measles vaccination and mentioned the CDC’s investigation into the deaths. Meanwhile, The Hill’s Healthcare newsletter provides updates on policies impacting healthcare.
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