Unpacking RFK Jr.’s Controversial Claims About the Chickenpox Vaccine: A Fact-Check by FactCheck.org

Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced Congress and made some misleading comments about the chickenpox vaccine. He suggested that Europe doesn’t vaccinate for chickenpox due to fears that it might cause shingles in older adults. While it’s true that shingles can occur later in life, it doesn’t reflect the complete picture. In fact, many European countries, like Austria and Germany, do vaccinate children against chickenpox.

During a House Appropriations Committee meeting on May 14, when asked about his views on vaccinating his children against measles, Kennedy said he would likely do so but insisted that his opinions on vaccines shouldn’t sway others. He also dodged questions about the chickenpox vaccine, reiterating the theory that vaccinating children could lead to more shingles in older populations.

This claim is a bit misleading. Some studies suggest that natural exposure to chickenpox may actually protect adults from shingles. But overall, the data doesn’t strongly support the idea that vaccinating kids is causing a spike in shingles cases among older folks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while shingles cases in the U.S. did rise over time, this trend started before the chickenpox vaccine was even introduced in 1995. More recently, the CDC reports that shingles rates have stabilized or even decreased.

It’s worth mentioning that since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine, cases have plummeted by over 97%. The vaccine has not only saved nearly 2,000 lives but has also saved more than $23 billion in healthcare costs by 2020. Additionally, it significantly reduces the risk of shingles in children, making it a vital preventive measure.

For those concerned about shingles risk, there is a vaccine recommended for adults 50 and older. This includes nations like Australia and Canada, which have seen success with their vaccination programs. In fact, a recent decision in the U.K., based on new evidence, now recommends chickenpox vaccinations for all children starting in January 2026. This change reflects a growing understanding of the benefits of vaccination and its impact on public health.

Though discussions about vaccination often spark debates, the evidence consistently highlights its importance in protecting individual and public health. For further information on vaccination guidelines, visit the CDC’s official website.

Source link