A Doctor's Warning: Vaccine Misinformation Can Kill

In late 2019, a devastating measles outbreak hit the small Pacific island of Samoa. The death toll reached 83, with most victims being young children. Dr. Josh Green, then Hawaii's lieutenant governor and an emergency doctor, quickly organized a team and thousands of vaccine doses to help. Just a few months later, he flew to Washington to warn lawmakers about someone he believes contributed to the tragedy: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, known for his skepticism about vaccines, is President Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Dr. Green wants lawmakers to consider Kennedy's role in the Samoa outbreak during his confirmation hearings. Some Democrats are using Kennedy's connection to the outbreak to oppose his nomination. Dr. Green recently appeared in an ad by a liberal advocacy group, stating that Kennedy's misinformation about vaccines led Samoa to stop vaccinating, resulting in a deadly measles spread. The Senate committees will soon vote on Kennedy's nomination, and this issue is expected to play a significant role in their decision. It's crucial to remember that misinformation can have real, tragic consequences. Understanding and trusting science can save lives.