NBC News - RFK Jr. would be ‘frightening’ as HHS Secretary, says fmr. acting CDC director
Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC and current President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides insights into the increasing rates of autism diagnoses. He explains that the rise from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 children today is largely due to improved diagnostic criteria and awareness, rather than an actual increase in prevalence. Besser emphasizes the importance of continuing research into autism but strongly refutes any link between vaccines and autism, citing a 2004 Institute of Medicine report that found no connection. He stresses the critical role of vaccines in public health and warns against misinformation that undermines vaccination efforts. Additionally, Besser comments on the potential impact of RFK Jr.'s involvement in health policy, particularly concerning drug prices and vaccine misinformation, highlighting the need for credible leadership in health services.
Key Points:
- Autism diagnosis rates have increased due to better identification, not an actual rise in cases.
- There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism, as confirmed by a 2004 Institute of Medicine report.
- Vaccines are crucial for public health, and misinformation about them can harm efforts to improve health outcomes.
- RFK Jr.'s potential role in health policy raises concerns about vaccine misinformation but offers opportunities to address drug pricing issues.
- Credible leadership in health services is essential to maintain public confidence and advance health initiatives.