During a May 14 congressional hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that European countries do not recommend chickenpox vaccination because it increases shingles risk in adults. He suggested that the policy is due to data from “preclinical trials,” although he did not clarify the data or study he referenced. Social media users widely criticized Kennedy, noting that the claim is misleading and based on outdated information.
Recommendation
Misleading claims about chickenpox vaccine safety from the top health official in the country may dissuade parents from vaccinating their children. Debunking messaging may explain that chickenpox vaccines are very safe, with few extremely rare serious side effects reported in the 30 years the vaccines have been in use. Speculation that chickenpox vaccination could increase shingles risk in adults is not supported by evidence, leading countries like the U.K. to begin recommending the vaccine in 2023. Emphasizing that chickenpox vaccination is 90 percent effective against infection and nearly 100 percent effective against severe illness is recommended, as is highlighting the disease’s potential severity.
Fact-checking sources: FactCheck.org, Public Good News
