Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress that the measles vaccine is safe and effective "for most people," marking a significant shift from his previous vaccine skepticism. During the hearing, Kennedy acknowledged that vaccination is safer than contracting measles, addressing longstanding concerns about his stance on immunization policy.

Lawmakers pressed Kennedy on multiple fronts, including the Trump administration's handling of health care fraud and his controversial comments about psychiatric medications and Black children. The health secretary denied making certain statements attributed to him, though the specifics of those comments were not detailed in the hearing coverage. This congressional scrutiny comes as Kennedy oversees major health policy decisions.

The testimony represents a notable departure from Kennedy's historical position as an anti-vaccine advocate. His acknowledgment of vaccine safety for most people could signal a shift in federal health messaging, though questions remain about the scope and permanence of this change. The hearing highlighted ongoing tensions between Kennedy's past positions and his current role implementing national health policy.