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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Addresses Vaccine Policy at Health Conference

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at the Children’s Health Defense conference in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2026.
  • Kennedy referenced a recent executive order on the MMR vaccine schedule.
  • The U.S. is experiencing its highest measles case numbers since 1991.

On September 17, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, delivered the keynote speech at the Children’s Health Defense conference in Washington, D.C.

This event marked Kennedy’s first appearance at the conference since he became HHS Secretary, following a leave from the organization during his 2023 presidential campaign. During his address, Kennedy told attendees they had a “strong and steadfast friend in the White House.”.

Kennedy discussed recent federal actions related to childhood vaccination policies. He praised the Trump administration’s efforts over the previous 19 months to reduce the number of required childhood vaccines and to change the structure of a key vaccine advisory board.

He also referenced a recent executive order by President Trump that called for spacing out the administration of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This order differs from recommendations provided by medical organizations.

What the numbers show

  • Seven measles-associated deaths have been reported in the U.S. over the past two years.
  • Pennsylvania recorded four measles-associated deaths in 2026, all among unvaccinated individuals.
  • This year marks the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. since 1991.

According to state health officials, none of the individuals who died from measles in Pennsylvania this year had received the measles vaccine. These figures reflect a broader national increase in measles cases and related deaths over the last two years.

Kennedy’s remarks at the conference included acknowledgment of the Trump administration’s policy changes and the recent executive order on vaccine scheduling. He highlighted these developments as part of ongoing federal efforts regarding childhood immunization protocols.

Industry reaction

Mary Holland, CEO of Children’s Health Defense, stated her appreciation for Kennedy’s attention to childhood vaccination issues during the event. She expressed “gratitude beyond words” for his recognition of these concerns.

The conference brought together individuals and organizations focused on vaccine policy, with Kennedy’s appearance drawing attention to recent federal actions and ongoing discussions about vaccination schedules in the United States.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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