POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: RFK Jr. Makes Multiple False and Misleading Vaccine Claims at Children’s Health Defense Conference
The Claim On September 17, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, delivered a keynote speech at the one-day conference of Children’s Health Defense (CHD), a...
The Claim
On September 17, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, delivered a keynote speech at the one-day conference of Children’s Health Defense (CHD), a nonprofit organization known for spreading vaccine misinformation. During the address, Kennedy made a series of false and misleading claims about vaccines, particularly focusing on their safety, efficacy, and alleged links to chronic conditions such as autism. The speech was widely shared across social media platforms, sparking public concern and prompting FactCheck.org to investigate the accuracy of his statements.
Among the most contentious claims was Kennedy’s assertion that vaccines were not properly tested and that they were contributing to a rise in chronic illnesses. He cited a package insert for a hepatitis B vaccine, highlighting a list of post-marketing adverse reactions and suggesting they were linked to conditions like diabetes, asthma, and autism. He also claimed that for every vaccine, your child is more likely to die from the vaccine than from the disease, a statement that was previously posted by CHD on its X account just three days prior to the event. Additionally, he questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine, referencing a previous executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which incorrectly labeled the vaccine as quite lethal.
The Details & Investigation
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric, both as a private citizen and now in his official capacity as HHS Secretary. His speech at the Children’s Health Defense conference continued this pattern, repeating many of the same misleading claims he has made for years. For instance, he misrepresented data from a 1970 study in Wisconsin, comparing it to modern autism prevalence rates without accounting for changes in diagnostic criteria, awareness, and screening practices. This comparison is inherently flawed and does not support his claim that an autism epidemic is solely due to environmental factors like vaccines.
Kennedy also cited a 2009 UC Davis study co-authored by Irva Hertz-Picciotto, claiming it showed that the autism epidemic is real. However, the study did not conclude that autism was an epidemic, but rather that part of the increase could be attributed to changes in diagnostic standards. The MIND Institute itself clarified that the study did not indicate an actual epidemic. Furthermore, Kennedy falsely claimed that I’ve never in my life seen somebody my age, a 70-year-old man, with full-blown, profound autism, despite research indicating that many older individuals meet autism criteria but may have gone undiagnosed.
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One of the most troubling aspects of Kennedy’s speech was his repeated use of misleading data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). He claimed that fewer than 1% of vaccine injuries are reported, citing a 2010 Harvard Pilgrim report. However, VAERS is a voluntary reporting system, and the 1% figure refers to mild or expected side effects that are often not reported. Experts have emphasized that VAERS is not a reliable indicator of vaccine safety and that other monitoring systems, such as the CDC’s Vaccine Safety Datalink, provide more accurate assessments. Kennedy also falsely suggested that only one childhood vaccine — the COVID-19 vaccine — had undergone a placebo-controlled trial, ignoring the fact that multiple vaccines, including polio and chickenpox, were originally tested against placebos.
In addition to vaccine-related claims, Kennedy promoted conspiracy theories about “chemtrails” and electromagnetic fields, topics that align with the interests of Children’s Health Defense. He also downplayed the severity of measles outbreaks, stating that “you care about every child who dies from measles. They get headlines,” while implying that vaccine injuries should be given equal attention. This narrative ignores the significant public health risks posed by vaccine-preventable diseases and the overwhelming scientific consensus on vaccine safety.
The Verdict
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s speech at the Children’s Health Defense conference contained numerous false and misleading claims about vaccines, many of which have been repeatedly debunked by medical experts and scientific studies. His misrepresentation of adverse event data, cherry-picking of outdated studies, and promotion of conspiracy theories clearly constitute deliberate disinformation aimed at undermining public confidence in vaccination programs. While some of his claims may reflect a lack of understanding of complex scientific data, the consistent repetition of these falsehoods over time suggests a coordinated effort to spread anti-vaccine sentiment.
Given the extensive evidence refuting his claims and the clear intent to mislead, the viral content from Kennedy’s speech should be rated as FALSE. The statements about vaccine safety, autism, and adverse events are not supported by scientific consensus and have been thoroughly debunked by reputable health organizations. The spread of such misinformation poses a serious threat to public health and undermines efforts to protect children from preventable diseases.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
