Senator Alsobrooks Grills RFK Jr. On COVID-19 Vaccine Views
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) appeared at his confirmation hearing earlier this week to answer questions from Congress. He’s been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
During his hearing, Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks questioned RFK about previous comments he made regarding Black people receiving COVID-19 vaccines. She referenced a television interview RFK appeared on claiming that the immune systems of Blacks are better than those of Whites.
The senator quoted RFK Jr. from that 2021 interview when he said, “We should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to Whites, because their immune systems are better than ours.” She went on to ask what he meant by that saying, “What different vaccine schedule should I have received?” RFK Jr. attempted to respond to the senator by saying his claims are based on studies conducted in Poland. However, after hearing his responses, Senator Alsobrooks revealed she’ll be voting “no” for his confirmation and deemed his views “dangerous” to the state of Maryland and the United States.
According to research data, Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, facing higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death compared to White Americans. A study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020 revealed that Black people were more likely to experience severe outcomes, with COVID-19 hospitalization rates up to four times higher than that of White Americans.
Pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases, which are more prevalent in Black communities, increase the risk of severe illness. The American Heart Association has reported that these conditions contribute significantly to the higher mortality rates among Blacks.
Socioeconomic factors also play a role. According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Black Americans are overrepresented in essential jobs, which increase exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, National Public Radio (NPR) highlighted the disparities in healthcare access, including inadequate insurance and systemic mistrust, prevent many from receiving timely care.
RFK Jr., an environmental attorney and prominent vaccine skeptic, has long been an outspoken advocate for public health and environmental issues. He founded the Children’s Health Defense and has criticized vaccine safety, drawing both support and controversy. He also campaigned for president in 2024, initially as a Democrat before becoming an independent.
While his nomination for head of the HHS has drawn praise from some conservative circles, critics point to his anti-vaccine stance and its potential impact on public health policies. Despite political differences, Kennedy and Trump share a mutual respect for challenging established norms.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on RFK Jr.’s nomination next week.