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Kennedy's False Claims on Chickenpox Vaccine and Shingles

5/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inaccurately claimed that European chickenpox vaccinations elevate shingles risk in older adults. Contrary to his assertion, several European nations do vaccinate children, and research fails to establish a clear connection between childhood vaccination and increased shingles incidence. Notably, the U.K. is set to introduce routine chickenpox vaccinations in January 2026.

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Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inaccurately claimed that European chickenpox vaccinations elevate shingles risk in older adults. Contrary to his assertion, several European nations do vaccinate children, and research fails to establish a clear connection between childhood vaccination and increased shingles incidence. Notably, the U.K. is set to introduce routine chickenpox vaccinations in January 2026.