Additional Coverage:
- McConnell defends polio vaccine after report that RFK Jr. adviser sought to revoke approval (nbcnews.com)
Senator Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, has denounced a report that a key advisor to President-elect Trump’s HHS nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., petitioned to revoke polio vaccine approval.
McConnell, who still experiences polio effects, emphasized the vaccine’s life-saving impact. He declared that undermining public trust in proven treatments is dangerous.
Aaron Siri, the advisor in question, filed a petition on behalf of an anti-vaccine organization in 2022. Kennedy’s spokeswoman confirmed Siri’s advisory role but denied any discussions about the petition.
McConnell’s statement makes it clear he will oppose any nominee associated with efforts to restrict polio vaccine access. He believes anyone seeking Senate confirmation must be clear about their stance on the vaccine.
Despite Kennedy’s previous anti-vaccine activism, he has stated he will not remove vaccines from anyone. However, he plans to review vaccine safety and efficacy studies.
McConnell’s opposition could make it challenging for Kennedy’s confirmation. The senator will relinquish his leadership role in January but remains influential.