NYC Health Commissioner Slams RFK Jr.’s Revised Childhood Vaccine Schedule as “Deadly”

Acting New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse strongly condemned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to adopt a controversial new childhood vaccination schedule proposed under Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling the changes “dangerous” and “irresponsible.”

In a statement released Tuesday, Dr. Morse warned that the overhaul—which reduces the number of recommended vaccines for children—poses serious risks to public health. “RFK Jr.’s revised childhood vaccination schedule will have deadly consequences,” she said. “Yesterday’s announcement weakening the childhood vaccination schedule puts the health and well-being of children and their families at risk.”

The CDC, now under Kennedy’s leadership, justified the decision as an effort to align with other nations that endorse fewer shots for children. However, according to Dr. Morse, countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Spain largely follow vaccination schedules similar to the former U.S. model.

Citing CDC data, Dr. Morse emphasized that vaccinations for children born between 1994 and 2023 have prevented 508 million illnesses, avoided more than 1.1 million deaths, and saved nearly $2.7 trillion in societal costs. She warned that scaling back those protections could trigger preventable diseases, hospitalizations, disabilities, and fatalities.

“The NYC Health Department recommends that children continue to receive all vaccines previously recommended by the CDC based on rigorous review and evidence,” Dr. Morse stated. She urged parents and caregivers to consult their pediatricians if they have concerns and called on healthcare providers in New York City to maintain the existing vaccination standards.

“As a public servant and medical professional, I will not stay silent,” Morse added. “The NYC Health Department remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all New Yorkers.”