Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) on Thursday grilled Division of Well being and Human Companies nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s historical past of claiming Black Individuals have a greater immune system than white folks.
Alsobrooks, one among solely two Black girls serving within the Senate, questioned Kennedy on what he meant concerning a 2021 declare that “we should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.”
The schedule, permitted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention and different well being care organizations, recommends when youngsters and youngsters ought to obtain vaccinations and immunizations. Few exceptions to the schedule are inspired, comparable to if a toddler has a persistent situation or should take medicines that weaken their immune system.
At Thursday’s listening to, Alsobooks demanded Kennedy clarify what he meant by his 2021 remarks.
“A series of studies, I think most of them by Poland, show that to particular antigens that Blacks have a much stronger reaction,” Kennedy replied. “There’s differences in reaction to different products by different races –.”
Alsobrooks lower Kennedy off to then ask what sort of schedule she ought to have acquired for vaccinations.
Kenney appeared to allude to the concept that Black folks want “fewer antigens” than white folks, one thing Alsobrooks rapidly deemed “dangerous” rhetoric.
“Mr. Kennedy, with all due respect, that is so dangerous. Your voice would be a voice that parents would listen to,” Alsobrooks mentioned.
Many research have proven racial bias within the medical system, affecting how Black Individuals are handled in comparison with white Individuals. A 2016 examine printed by the Nationwide Middle for Biotechnology Info discovered that amongst first 12 months medical college students, greater than 20 % consider false claims that Black folks have a stronger immune system than white folks.
Outcomes of racial bias within the medical system have led to much less therapy, ache administration and even dying for Black Individuals.
“I will be voting against your nomination because your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks instructed Kennedy on Thursday.
Kennedy’s views, totally on vaccination, have come below hearth throughout his affirmation course of. Thursday marked Kennedy’s second affirmation listening to.
