Can Vitamin A really treat measles? Why RFK Jr's claims have US health experts worried

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, has worried medical professionals, pediatricians, and lawmakers following his recent remarks on measles treatment.

In response to a growing measles outbreak in Texas, Kennedy wrote an opinion piece for Fox News advocating the benefits of vitamin A and good nutrition — while notably omitting a strong endorsement of vaccines.

The omission has drawn sharp criticism, particularly given that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with a 97 per cent success rate in preventing infection.

“Relying on vitamin A instead of the vaccine is not only dangerous and ineffective, but it puts children at serious risk,” Dr. Sue Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told The Washington Post.

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The Texas measles outbreak

The outbreak in Texas has already affected at least 160 people, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated communities in the South Plains region. Over 20 individuals have been hospitalised, and a school-aged child who was not vaccinated has died — the first measles-related death in the US since 2015.

Kennedy’s initial response to the outbreak was met with widespread disapproval. He mistakenly stated in a cabinet meeting that two people had died in Texas and downplayed the significance of the outbreak, calling it "not unusual."

The Texas outbreak alone has already accounted for a significant portion of last year’s total measles cases across the US, raising concerns about the resurgence of the disease.

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Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dispatched “disease detectives” to Texas to aid in controlling the spread. Health officials warn that the outbreak is likely under-reported, with some affected communities reluctant to seek medical care.

Vitamin A’s role in measles treatment

Vitamin A has been used as a supportive therapy for children with severe measles, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where malnutrition is common.

Studies have shown that in such settings, vitamin A supplementation can reduce the risk of complications and mortality. However, experts caution against misrepresenting it as an alternative to vaccination.

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, warned against creating a false equivalency between vaccination and vitamin A supplementation. “To make the best decision for your children, you can either vaccinate or give vitamin A … That would be highly misleading,” he told The Washington Post.

The CDC recently issued a statement reiterating that while vitamin A can be part of supportive care for measles patients, it is not a cure nor a substitute for immunisation.

Dr. David Higgins, a preventive medicine specialist, highlighted the importance of vaccination, telling NBC News, “What I would have loved to see added in the CDC’s statement is that vitamin A is never an alternative to MMR vaccination for measles prevention. I think that clarity is really, really important.”

RFK Jr.’s vaccine policies

Kennedy’s stance on measles treatment has also drawn criticism from lawmakers, including US Senator Elizabeth Warren, reported CNN.

In a letter to Kennedy, Warren accused him of undermining public health efforts, stating, “Your irresponsible and reckless efforts to undermine the nation’s vaccine policy threaten to fan the flames of disaster.”

As health secretary, Kennedy has made several controversial moves regarding vaccine policies. He has halted meetings of influenza experts at the FDA and CDC, put a stop-work order on contracts for new vaccine development, and is reassessing a $590 million contract with Moderna for a bird flu vaccine.

His past leadership at Children’s Health Defense, an organisation known for spreading vaccine misinformation, has also fuelled concerns about his approach to public health.

The high risk of misinformation in public health

Health professionals warn that Kennedy’s rhetoric could contribute to vaccine hesitancy, making communities more vulnerable to future outbreaks. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but declining vaccination rates have led to its resurgence.

Experts stress that herd immunity requires at least 95 per cent of a population to be vaccinated, a threshold that has not been met in many affected areas.

Dr. Alexandra Yonts, an infectious disease specialist, cautioned against the misuse of vitamin A, stating that excessive intake could lead to toxicity. “What I’m afraid is going to happen in these communities is, ‘Oh, we’ll just go out there and start taking high doses of vitamin A every day to keep the measles away.’ This can actually result in negative outcomes and illness for those kids,” she told NBC News.

While supportive treatments like vitamin A can help manage severe cases, experts overwhelmingly agree that immunisation remains the most effective way to protect against measles and prevent future outbreaks.

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With inputs from agencies