An opinion piece alleges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being blamed for two “measles-associated” deaths in Pennsylvania. It quotes elected officials criticizing Kennedy’s rhetoric while also asserting that Pennsylvania already requires the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for school attendance. Several claims in the piece have not been independently verified.
What critics said, per the source
The article quotes U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) posting on X: “RFK Jr.’s lies and conspiracy theories are making Marylanders sick. RFK Jr. must resign or be fired. Vaccines are safe and effective. Listen to your pediatrician.”
It also quotes Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as saying: “His actions and the rhetoric that’s coming from this administration are having a negative impact on communities across America, particularly right here in Pennsylvania,” and, “Sharing conspiracy theories and misinformation does not help the cause of public health—and it leaves people less healthy and less safe, and it leaves parents in a position where it’s harder for us to do our jobs to protect our children.”
What the source claims about policy and Kennedy’s stance
The piece states that Pennsylvania requires the MMR vaccine for school attendance, with medical and religious exemptions and exemptions for convictions similar to a religious belief.
It further claims Kennedy has publicly said “the best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination. We urge people to get their MMR vaccines,” while opposing vaccine mandates.
Measles numbers cited in the piece
The source cites approximately 2,300 U.S. measles cases in 2025 (a “35-year high”) and 2,800 cases so far this year, up from 285 cases in 2024.
