Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal attorney, Aaron Siri, has been advocating for the revocation of polio vaccine approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This move underscores the influence Kennedy’s circle has on health policy, particularly as they prepare for potential roles within the incoming Trump administration. Siri, a partner at the law firm Siri & Glimstad, has a history of opposing vaccines, having filed petitions against other vaccines like Hepatitis B and COVID-19.
Siri’s petition regarding the polio vaccine was submitted on behalf of the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), an organization founded by Del Bigtree, another close associate of Kennedy. In his petition, Siri called for the FDA to withdraw or suspend the polio vaccine’s approval for young children until adequate safety trials are conducted.
While Kennedy has not publicly disclosed his stance on this matter, the polio vaccine is widely recognized for its effectiveness; according to the CDC, it provides over 99% protection against severe disease, including paralysis. The vaccine has played a crucial role in reducing global polio cases by over 99% since the late 1980s, with only six cases reported in 2021. This success means that millions live without the threat of paralysis from polio, thanks to widespread vaccination.
Health officials emphasize the ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety and the importance of the polio vaccine in eradicating a disease that historically caused paralysis and death among children.
This situation highlights the tension between differing beliefs about vaccine safety and public health policies, particularly in light of the significant strides made over the decades to control infectious diseases like polio. While the debate continues, the hope remains that public health decisions will prioritize safety and efficacy based on scientific evidence, ensuring continued protection for future generations.