Top Republican 'struggling' with RFK Jr.'s nomination over Kennedy's vaccine views

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the HPV vaccine is safe and effective despite past statements from Kennedy that the HPV vaccine is "dangerous" and increases the risk of cervical cancer.

"Do you stand by those statements, yes or no?" Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington, asked.

"I stand by your previous statement. I litigated on that issue. I represented hundreds of young girls who felt that they were injured by the vaccine," Kennedy replied.

Kennedy has referred clients to a firm suing Merck over claims that it failed to communicate alleged risks of its HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine was recommended in 2006 in the U.S, for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12.

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective, according to the CDC. Data shows that in the 10 years after the vaccine was recommended in 2006 in the United States, infections with four strains of HPV infections decreased by 86% in female teens ages 14 to 19 and 71% in women in their early 20s.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin pressed for a commitment from Kennedy to keep mifepristone on the market. Kennedy said he wouldn't get ahead of President Donald Trump on the issue.

"President Trump has not chosen a policy," Kennedy said. "I will implement his policy."

Trump shifted his stance on abortion access throughout the 2024 campaign, largely saying it's a state issue. He avoided speaking in depth on his view on the abortion pill. The Biden administration vigorously pushed back against legal challenges brought against mifepristone that arose after the fall of Roe v. Wade.

Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy and Rand Paul, both doctors, had a brief argument over the Hepatitis B vaccine for infants.

Cassidy defended the vaccine's efficacy amid Paul's questioning of some of its uses: "A vaccine on day one of life prevents chronic Hepatitis B 95% of the time."

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Kennedy shared a heated exchange on the question of vaccines and if Kennedy would state that they don’t cause autism and save lives.

Sanders asked about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy said he was unsure if the vaccines saved lives,

“if you show me science that shows that,” Kennedy said.

“Bobby, you say if I show you, you’re applying for the job,” Sanders said. “I mean, clearly, you should know this and that is the scientific community has established that. That COVID vaccines saved millions of lives and you’re casting doubt.”