It's been just over two weeks since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. As of Wednesday, the 26th of February, it has been reported there is a measles outbreak in Texas that has affected 124 patients so far, with one child having died. Children between the ages of 5-17 make up 62 cases, followed by 39 cases in children under 4. When asked by the press during President Trump's first cabinet meeting, Kennedy was quoted as saying, "It's not unusual; we have measles outbreaks every year."

This then prompted every news outlet to try to prove his comments incorrect. I have fellow pharmacy colleagues and other medical colleagues posting on their social media, screaming about how awful RFK Jr. is and what an awful time we live in. You also have doctors and public health officials stating he is wrong to say such a thing. Is he wrong, though? Per the CDC, here are the following cases/outbreaks for the last few years. (Per the CDC, an outbreak is defined as three or more related cases.)

• 2024- 285 cases reported in 33 jurisdictions 
• 2023- 59 cases reported in 20 jurisdictions 
• 2022- 121 cases in 6 jurisdictions 
• 2021- 49 cases among 5 jurisdictions
• 2020- 13 cases among 8 jurisdictions
• 2019- 1,274 cases (amongst 31 states)

It seems 2019 was the worst year on record since 1992. So far into 2025, we have a break-out in Texas that is nearly half of the cases of 2024 but barely a 1/5th of what we saw in 2019. It is still early in 2025, but it does appear that yes, RFK Jr. is correct in stating that outbreaks do occur in the United States, and yes, they occur amongst unvaccinated children, even though the disease was eradicated in 2000 due to high vaccination rates.

CNN asked HHS whether the secretary recommends people get the measles vaccine. The agency responded with, "Vaccination remains the best defense against measles infection." Full transparency: I believe in the efficacy of almost all vaccines and think the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) is necessary for children. One dose offers 93 percent efficacy; two doses give you 97 percent protection.

On the same topic, ABC News also let out this doozy on Thursday: "Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas." This seemed like a good bit of sensationalism, so I clicked. Turns out the cases in those states acquired the disease abroad and had nothing to do with the ongoing cases in Texas. 

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The last bit of media hoopla Thursday read: "FDA cancels flu vaccine meeting." Advisory members ran to the press concerned, expressing worry about what will happen during the next flu season. The FDA Spokesman stated, "The FDA will make public its recommendations to manufacturers in time for updated vaccines to be made available for the 25-26 influenza season." Now, the real question is, how effective is the flu vaccine? 

• 17-18: 29% effective
• 18-19: 39% effective
• 19-20: 42% effective
• 20-21: No data reported, somehow only COVID occurred, no flu.
• 21-22: 36% effective
• 22-23: 44% effective
• 23-24: 42% effective

These "experts" base the strains on what occurs in winter in the southern hemisphere and try to load the vaccines in time for us to be treated in the late summer/early fall. Look at those rates. with 30-40 percent efficacy, do you feel confident taking the vaccine? And can we really call the advisory committee experts? 

Full disclosure: I hate being sick and can't really afford to be, so yes, I take it, but I don’t feel confident doing so. I realize being vaccinated can still result in feeling completely awful if I acquire Influenza A or B while working. We also have therapeutics (Tamiflu) if you do acquire the virus. If treated early (usually within the first 48 hours of symptoms), the virus will be reduced by a day or so. The flu kills about 36,000 people a year, most of whom are elderly and immunocompromised. Exactly the population who should benefit from the "high-dose" flu vaccine, especially if living in a senior living facility. 

To close, for four years, all we heard was "trust the science" or, as Dr. Fauci proclaimed, "I am science." I recall hearing if we got vaccinated for COVID, 94 percent of us wouldn’t have symptoms and that none of us would pass the virus along...Lately, all I read is our healthcare system is under assault. I wanted to present accurate data showing that measles outbreaks do occur yearly, and thank goodness they are few and far between. I’m glad the Secretary even mentioned vaccination is the best tool to prevent this very infectious disease. The flu vaccine will still be made in time for those who want it. I didn't read anything in the statement about autism or anti-vax conspiracy. It’s time to take a deep breath and realize vaccines will still be made available and that they are advisable to take. As always, get good sleep, take in some sun, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, exercise as often as you can and limit reading the news for a good, healthy, happy life. 

Michel Albert Daher, Pharm. D, APh, is a community pharmacist who has owned and operated three pharmacies located in California and Oregon. He is currently an adjunct professor in the division of pharmacy practice at Marshall B. Ketchum University, located in Fullerton, California.