A recent article in The Conversation on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine views exemplifies how mainstream media distorts vaccine scepticism, framing it as dangerous misinformation while sidestepping the legitimate concerns fuelling its rise. From a vaccine-sceptical perspective, this approach not only misrepresents the movement but also ignores systemic issues in public health that demand scrutiny.
Vaccine sceptics argue that public health institutions are compromised by deep conflicts of interest. The revolving door between pharmaceutical giants and regulatory bodies like the CDC and FDA is well-documented. For example, a 2009 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlighted how CDC advisory committee members often had financial ties to vaccine manufacturers, yet mainstream outlets like The Conversation rarely address this. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s call for reforming these committees stems from this reality, but media narratives dismiss it as conspiracy-mongering, refusing to engage with evidence of systemic bias. This selective omission fuels distrust, as sceptics see a pattern of protecting corporate interests over public welfare.
The mainstream mantra of "safe and effective" vaccines glosses over real concerns. Thousands of families have received payouts from programs like the U.S. Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which has awarded over $5 billion since 1988 for vaccine-related injuries. Yet, media outlets downplay these cases as statistical outliers, ignoring the devastating impact on affected families. Sceptics also highlight the lack of robust, long-term safety studies, particularly for newer mRNA vaccines, which were rolled out with unprecedented speed. Independent research into vaccine safety is often stifled, either through lack of funding or academic censorship, leaving critical questions unanswered. By framing these concerns as baseless, the media alienates those seeking honest scientific inquiry.
Mainstream reporting often equates vaccine scepticism with misinformation, refusing to engage with the evidence sceptics present. For example, Kennedy and others have pointed to studies suggesting potential links between vaccines and conditions like autoimmune disorders or autism, such as a 2017 study in Journal of Translational Science that found higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders in vaccinated children. While these studies are contentious and not conclusive, dismissing them outright without rigorous debate signals to sceptics that the system fears scrutiny. When media and health authorities label dissent as "anti-science" rather than addressing it, they deepen mistrust and push people toward alternative voices like Kennedy's.
At the heart of vaccine scepticism lies a fierce defence of informed consent. Mandates, whether for childhood vaccinations or during "crises" like COVID-19, are seen as government overreach, stripping individuals of their right to make health decisions. Mainstream media often portrays this stance as selfish, but for sceptics, it's about protecting a fundamental freedom. The aggressive push for universal compliance, coupled with censorship of dissenting voices on platforms like YouTube and Twitter pre-2023, only reinforces the perception that authorities choose control over individual rights. This erosion of autonomy drives more people to question the broader public health narrative.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. Contradictory guidance, from mask efficacy flip-flops to shifting definitions of "fully vaccinated," shattered confidence in health authorities. The rapid development and rollout of mRNA vaccines, coupled with reports of adverse events like myocarditis in young men (noted in a 2021 New England Journal of Medicine study), raised red flags for many. Meanwhile, the suppression of alternative treatments and the vilification of critics like Kennedy, cemented the view that public health chooses narrative over truth. Scepticism grows not from a rejection of science, but from a belief that the system has betrayed its own principles.
By framing vaccine scepticism as irrational, outlets like The Conversation miss the deeper issues: a history of institutional failures, unanswered safety concerns, suppressed debate, and eroded personal freedoms. This approach doesn't discredit scepticism, it strengthens it. Kennedy's supporters don't see him as a purveyor of lies, but as a rare voice challenging a system that's lost credibility. Until the media and public health establishment engage honestly with these concerns, vaccine scepticism will continue to gain ground, not because of misinformation, but because of a hunger for transparency and accountability.
"Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sat down with Scripps News for a wide-ranging interview, discussing mRNA vaccine funding policy changes, a recent shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal research funding tied to university compliance, the role of diet in public health, and efforts to protect athletes from brain injuries.
Halting mRNA vaccine technology funding
Kennedy explained the administration's decision to cancel millions of dollars in contracts to develop vaccines using mRNA technology. The vaccines were being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Kennedy questioned the effectiveness of the vaccines despite overwhelming scientific research. He also warned against virus mutations and dosage control issues.
"You can't control the amount of antigen that everybody is getting," he said. "When you give a vaccine, you want to know exactly how much antigen is because some people react very, very badly and can get very, very badly injured."
Kennedy emphasized that the technology is still being researched for cancer treatments, where it may prove effective.
Responding to criticism from medical experts, Kennedy questioned the reliability of safety data and pointed to "5,000 peer-reviewed studies" that point to vaccine-related injuries.
"Trusting the experts is not a feature of either a science or democracy," Kennedy said.
He added, "There's always questions and we're always encouraged to have them. Science is always evolving."
CDC shooting and vaccine skepticism
Kennedy addressed Friday's deadly shooting at the CDC in Atlanta, reportedly motivated by COVID-19 vaccine concerns. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and support for CDC employees.
"They work in silence, saving us all and protecting our health. They should not be the targets of this kind of violence from anybody," Kennedy said.
Kennedy said his priority is ensuring employee safety and restoring public trust by telling the truth, even when he believes scientific uncertainty exists.
Combating misinformation and public trust
When asked how to prevent violence tied to health misinformation, Kennedy stressed the need for transparency and "Gold Standard" science.
"People can ask questions without being penalized," Kennedy said.
He added, "The way we make the public believe in us is by telling the truth — what we know and what we don't know."
Kennedy criticized past government messaging during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for what he described as officials overstating certainty, which he believes eroded trust.
Federal research funding and university compliance
Kennedy discussed the Trump administration's policy of withholding federal funding from universities accused of not being forceful enough to root out antisemitism or permitting transgender women in women's sports. Critics say this could harm medical research.
"Universities that are now being defunded because they're breaking the law should stop breaking the law, and then they will get that funding," he said.
He also said research funding should be distributed more widely to avoid centralized control that could stifle scientific dissent.
Healthy eating and processed foods
Kennedy identified sugar and ultra-processed foods as major threats to public health, citing rising rates of diabetes linked to dietary changes.
"We are giving the poorest members of our society diabetes when they're young, and then we're paying for it later with Medicaid."
Kennedy added that the federal government will issue dietary guidelines based on public health rather than commercial interests.
Addressing food deserts
Kennedy acknowledged challenges in underserved areas but argued that "cheap food is an illusion" if it causes long-term health costs. He insisted that public-private partnerships can provide healthy meals at competitive prices.
"A Big Mac costs, you know, I think $9 now... You can get high-quality food as we change these rules to incentivize people to buy better food. You're going to see the markets respond, and you're going to see better food going into these food deserts."
Protecting athletes from CTE
During the interview, Kennedy criticized reports about a shooter in New York targeting NFL headquarters because he reportedly believed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as CTE.
Kennedy was pressed on whether the government has a plan to protect children or even adults in contact sports.
Kennedy said his department's role is to conduct research and provide data to policymakers and organizations like the NFL.