**Medical Experts Alarmed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Appointment as Health Secretary**

The recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his strong anti-vaccine stance, to head the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked significant concern among medical professionals. President-elect Donald Trump's decision to nominate Kennedy as health secretary on Thursday has been met with apprehension due to Kennedy's track record of promoting conspiracy theories, which critics argue makes him unsuitable for the role.

Kennedy will oversee a broad range of critical areas including Americans' insurance, drugs, medical supplies, and food if the Senate confirms his nomination. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, expressed particular concern. "He is one of the most prominent anti-vaccine activists in the United States and globally, and he has been at this for 20 years," Hotez remarked.

Kennedy's anti-vaccine advocacy was a significant motivating factor for Hotez to author a book about his autistic daughter, titled "Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism," he noted. Hotez also mentioned that he has previously engaged in discussions with Kennedy about his vaccine views. Despite Kennedy's reputation, his spokeswoman has defended him against the anti-vaccine label, asserting to The Washington Post that he is not "anti-vaccine."

When questioned about his history of propagating false health claims, Kennedy's spokeswoman directed attention to his recent statement on X, in which he expressed gratitude to Trump for the nomination and committed to "Make America Healthy Again." Kennedy further promised transparency and full access to data, intending to empower Americans to make informed health decisions.

Concerns have been heightened by the fact that Kennedy has made numerous false health claims over the years, posing a dilemma for those advocating for scientifically accurate health information.