Shetal Shah is a neonatologist.

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation, a look at his vaccine stance

Physician
January 29, 2025

The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns about the potential impact on public health policy. As hearings on his candidacy take place, it is important for senators to consider how his views and public statements have influenced physicians, children, and the broader health care system.

Kennedy has been a prominent figure in the discussion around vaccines, often promoting claims that contradict established …

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As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation, a look at his vaccine stance

Is it time for a true federal COVID vaccine mandate?

Policy
October 4, 2021

President Biden recently unveiled a series of regulations aimed to increase COVID vaccination rates. Impacting up to 100 million people, the president will require government employees, businesses with 100 or more employees, and federal contractors to be immunized.

He did not go far enough.

Like many pediatricians, I have spent hours addressing parents’ concerns about receiving a COVID vaccine for themselves or their children. Whether in a hospital, clinic, grocery store, or …

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Is it time for a true federal COVID vaccine mandate?

Eliminating religious exemptions from school vaccination in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

Conditions
May 2, 2020

Coronavirus has essentially altered life for the foreseeable future, and it’s clear to experts this public health crisis will only be defeated with development and implementation of a vaccine.  While Coronavirus has shown us what life is can be without ONE vaccine, there is still the issue of acceptance of vaccines we already have.  The resurgence of whooping cough this decade, the 2014 California measles outbreak and ~1200 cases of …

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Eliminating religious exemptions from school vaccination in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

School vaccine exemptions must be for medical conditions only

Policy
June 5, 2019

No, vaccines do not cause autism.

No, vaccines do not cause cancer.

No, vaccines are not toxic.

No, getting the disease is not safer than vaccination.

Yes, they are safe. Yes, they are effective. As a pediatrician, I spend countless hours each week talking about vaccines and counseling parents about the importance of immunization. While parents may not know anyone with rubella, polio or tetanus — almost every parent knows someone who knows someone …

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School vaccine exemptions must be for medical conditions only