Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) on Thursday grilled Department of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s history of claiming Black Americans have a better immune system than white people.
Alsobrooks, one of only two Black women serving in the Senate, questioned Kennedy on what he meant regarding a 2021 claim 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, approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health care organizations, recommends when children and teenagers should receive vaccinations and immunizations. Few exceptions to the schedule are encouraged, such as if a child has a chronic condition or must take medications that weaken their immune system.
At Thursday’s hearing, Alsobooks demanded Kennedy explain 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 cut Kennedy off to then ask what type of schedule she should have received for vaccinations.
Kenney seemed to allude to the idea that Black people need “fewer antigens” than white people, something Alsobrooks quickly 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 said.
Many studies have shown racial bias in the medical system, affecting how Black Americans are treated compared to white Americans. A 2016 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that among first year medical students, more than 20 percent believe false claims that Black people have a stronger immune system than white people.
Results of racial bias in the medical system have led to less treatment, pain management and even death for Black Americans.
“I will be voting against your nomination because your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks told Kennedy on Thursday.
Kennedy’s views, primarily on vaccination, have come under fire during his confirmation process. Thursday marked Kennedy’s second confirmation hearing.