Washington DC - Senator Bernie Sanders recently released several emails that appear to show Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempting to pressure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials to change their messaging on vaccines.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Sanders shared a trove of emails provided to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions by former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry.

The messages revealed that since he was appointed to the role by President Donald Trump, Kennedy has altered vaccine recommendations and released material to the public without CDC review or input, directed the agency's vaccine advisory panel towards restricting access to vaccines, directed the cancellation of flu vaccine campaigns amid a severe flu season, and misled members of Congress on several occasions.

The release also highlighted how in August 2025, Kennedy fired CDC Director Susan Monarez for failing to pre-approve the vaccine advisory panel's recommendations "regardless of the scientific evidence."

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Prior to his role, Kennedy was a longtime anti-vaccine advocate, regularly pushing the unfounded claim that vaccines cause autism. Though he vowed not to outlaw vaccines, Kennedy has made notable attempts to minimize their use across the US.

Trump has enthusiastically backed Kennedy's efforts, arguing in May that getting rid of vaccine mandates would save "beautiful little babies" and lead to "a much better result with the autism."