RFK Jr. Demands CDC Action: New Plan Needed for Alternative Measles Treatments

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop treatment options. measles Utilizing "current medications alongside vitamins and additional treatments."

Why it matters: The plan was announced just days following Kennedy's actions. downplayed the threat from the highly contagious disease and repeated misleading claims about measles vaccines.

• Kennedy has also previously touted vitamin A and other drugs As therapies for measles, experts have stated that there is no proof indicating any treatment can hasten recovery from the disease.

What they're saying: " Secretary Kennedy plans to mobilize the whole agency to initiate a scientific procedure aimed at treating various illnesses such as measles. This would involve using either individual or multiple existing medications combined with vitamins and other therapeutic approaches," stated HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon in an emailed message to Axios on Thursday night.

• He stated that the initiative will work alongside universities to "create guidelines, carry out tests, and seek authorization for innovative applications of safe and efficacious therapies, all while adhering to the strictest scientific criteria."
• Nixon stated that the agency will keep recommending measles vaccinations as the best method to avoid the illness.
• The guidance plan was initially reported by CBS News .

Catch up quick: The HHS is additionally suggesting that all new vaccines Undergo safety assessments in placebo-controlled trials, which sparked worries that this might delay vaccine approvals, including updated versions of COVID vaccines.

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