Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, expressed his strong disapproval of a report indicating that a prominent lawyer and adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously petitioned to revoke the approval of the polio vaccine. Kennedy, slated to be President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for the Department of Health and Human Services, has long been a vocal critic of childhood vaccinations and has incorrectly linked their usage to an increase in autism cases.
In a statement, McConnell emphasized the lifesaving impact of the polio vaccine, stating, “The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease. Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed — they’re dangerous.”
The report from The New York Times highlighted that Aaron Siri, an adviser to Kennedy, filed the petition in 2022 while representing an anti-vaccine group, the Informed Consent Action Network. A spokesperson for Kennedy confirmed Siri’s advisory role, but stated that there had been no discussions regarding the petition.
Katie Miller, a spokesperson for Kennedy, reaffirmed that the polio vaccine should remain accessible and undergo thorough testing. Conversely, Siri criticized the media coverage, insisting it misrepresented his position on the polio vaccine and alleged that it played on societal fears.
Kennedy himself stated prior to his appointment that he does not intend to eliminate anyone’s access to vaccines but aims to reassess the processes surrounding their approval. “If vaccines are working for somebody, I’m not going to take them away. People ought to have choice, and that choice ought to be informed by the best information,” he stated, adding that safety and efficacy studies are crucial for public awareness.
McConnell, while not naming Kennedy directly, asserted that anyone nominated for a government position must clarify their stance on the polio vaccine. He warned against any semblance of association with efforts to challenge its availability.
Kennedy is set to meet with senators next week, as McConnell prepares to step down from his role as the leading Republican in the Senate in January but will continue to hold significant influence.
This situation reflects a broader conversation about public health and vaccine confidence, the complexities of which are increasingly relevant in today’s socio-political climate. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm on scientifically supported advancements that protect public health.