Only 31% of U.S. Adults Say RFK Jr. Supports MMR Vaccine for Kids
As of August 2026, just 31% of U.S. adults say RFK Jr. supports MMR vaccination for children.
Why it matters: Public confusion about the HHS Secretary’s vaccine stance complicates enforcement and regulatory efforts during a measles outbreak, affecting legal and compliance professionals in public health law.
- 31% of U.S. adults believe RFK Jr. recommends the MMR vaccine for children; 40% are unsure, per an August 2026 Annenberg poll.
- RFK Jr. publicly urged parents to vaccinate against measles on August 2, 2026.
- 50% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of RFK Jr., with 42% very unfavorable—Pennsylvania voters show 61% unfavorable as of September 2026.
- Paul Offit called Kennedy a poor choice for HHS Secretary amid a measles epidemic, highlighting public health communication challenges.
A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center conducted from August 4-17, 2026, reveals widespread uncertainty over Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s position on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Among 1,904 U.S. adults surveyed, only 31% believe RFK Jr. recommends the MMR vaccine for children, while 29% do not think he does, and 40% remain unsure about his stance. This is despite Kennedy’s public statement on August 2, 2026, urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles amid a significant outbreak.
The polling also indicates a deeply negative public image. Half of respondents view Kennedy unfavorably, with 42% describing their opinion as “very unfavorable.” A September 2026 poll of Pennsylvania likely voters shows even stronger disapproval, with 61% holding an unfavorable opinion and only 33% favorable.
Kennedy’s previous vaccine skepticism has contributed to ongoing public confusion over his current position. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, remarked that Kennedy is “the single worst person to be HHS secretary during a massive measles epidemic,” highlighting the reputational and communication challenges surrounding vaccine policy enforcement under his leadership.
For legal professionals, these findings highlight the complexity of public messaging and trust in regulatory authorities during public health crises. Clear communication is critical to regulatory compliance and effective public health law enforcement amid outbreaks.
By the numbers:
- 31% — U.S. adults who believe RFK Jr. supports MMR vaccination (Aug 2026)
- 40% — U.S. adults unsure of RFK Jr.’s vaccine stance
- 61% — Pennsylvania likely voters with an unfavorable opinion of RFK Jr. (Sept 2026)
Yes, but: While Kennedy publicly supports MMR vaccination as of August 2026, longstanding public doubts persist, impacting trust and compliance challenges.