RFK, Jr. spreads HPV vaccine misinformation for profit

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has become the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under President Trump, is facing criticism for his views on the HPV vaccine. Kennedy has called the vaccine "dangerous and defective," raising concerns about its safety. HPV, or human papillomavirus, can cause cancer, but a vaccine exists that can prevent about 90% of HPV-related cancers. Despite its effectiveness, the vaccine is not widely used in the U.S. Many people still do not recognize its importance, a situation that may worsen due to Kennedy's influence and false claims. Kennedy, an anti-vaccine advocate, has profited by helping clients file legal challenges against the vaccine's manufacturer, Merck. During his confirmation hearings, he promised to support vaccine safety but did not uphold the science backing vaccines. He sidestepped questions about his past statements regarding the HPV vaccine. Misinformation about HPV and its vaccine complicates efforts to promote vaccination. Some mistakenly believe the vaccine is only for girls or should only be given after sexual activity begins. Trust in vaccines has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, and misconceptions about HPV's dangers persist.