Kennedy Spreads Misinformation on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety for Children

Health Secretary Kennedy’s Vaccine Claims Contradict Medical Evidence

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked controversy with recent statements downplaying COVID-19 risks to children while exaggerating vaccine dangers, comments that conflict with established medical evidence.

In appearances on Fox News and “Dr. Phil Primetime” in late April, Kennedy characterized COVID-19 as posing “almost no risk” to children while describing the vaccines as having “profound risk.” He specifically cited concerns about myocarditis, pericarditis, strokes, and neurological injuries in children receiving the vaccine.

Kennedy, who has a history of spreading vaccine misinformation, also suggested he may remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s childhood immunization schedule—a move that could significantly impact vaccine accessibility nationwide.

Medical experts have strongly refuted Kennedy’s characterizations. “The vaccines are very safe in kids,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, describing Kennedy’s claims as “inaccurate.”

While myocarditis and pericarditis were identified as rare side effects in some COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in adolescent and young adult males after a second dose, the risk remains extremely low. CDC data shows no increased risk has been observed for any age group since the 2022-2023 season. Furthermore, studies have not found evidence of increased stroke risk or neurological problems following vaccination in children.

Dr. O’Leary acknowledged that while children typically face lower COVID-19 risks than adults, the threat is not insignificant. “Through much of the pandemic, COVID was in the top 10 causes of death among children, and it was not just children with severe comorbidities,” he noted, adding that thousands of hospitalizations occurred, many involving previously healthy children.

The CDC currently recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. Though discussions are underway about potentially shifting to a risk-based recommendation for certain populations, O’Leary emphasized that removing the universal recommendation for young children—who experience the highest hospitalization rates—is not being considered.

Three years of safety monitoring data confirms COVID-19 vaccines’ safety in children. While mild, temporary side effects are expected, serious adverse reactions remain rare, with benefits outweighing known risks. Experts note that myocarditis risk has declined over time and, crucially, is actually more common and severe after COVID-19 infection than after vaccination.

“No children have died from vaccine-related myocarditis, but some have died from infection-related myocarditis,” explained Charlotte Moser, co-director of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center. “Opting out of vaccination because of concerns about myocarditis does not remove the risk.”

Provisional CDC data shows COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death for 152 children under 18 between September 2023 and August 2024. Approximately 40% of children hospitalized with COVID-19 had no pre-existing conditions.

Removing the COVID-19 vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule could have significant practical implications. The schedule guides healthcare providers on recommended vaccines and, importantly, triggers Affordable Care Act requirements for health insurance plans to cover listed vaccines without deductibles or copays. Removal could potentially eliminate this coverage requirement.

While most CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members support shifting to a risk-based recommendation for the next updated COVID-19 shot, they emphasize that individuals wanting vaccination protection should still be able to receive it.

Moser supports a nuanced approach: risk-based recommendations for previously vaccinated individuals, but universal recommendations for young children and others never vaccinated. “Every year, between 3 and 4 million new susceptibles are born – our babies,” she explained. “Vaccination gives us control over when and how our babies gain immunity. Infection leaves it to chance.”