U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy Backs 'Freedom of Choice' on Vaccines

Kennedy reiterates support for parents' right to opt out of required school vaccinations during Tennessee visit.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reiterated his support for the rights of parents to keep their children from taking required vaccinations for school enrollment during a visit to the Tennessee State Capitol. Kennedy encouraged people to eat better food and discussed his efforts to cut out food dyes and send federal funds to rural areas for healthcare, but he maintained his stance that vaccination should be a personal choice.

Why it matters

Kennedy's stance on vaccines is controversial, as health experts argue that widespread vaccination is critical for public health and preventing outbreaks of preventable diseases. His comments could embolden state lawmakers to roll back vaccination requirements, potentially leading to increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

During his 'Make America Healthy Again' tour stop, Kennedy said the federal government recommends vaccinations but noted he hasn't been involved in the issue on a state-by-state basis. He claimed the U.S. signed the Nuremberg Code, which he said requires 'freedom of choice on medical intervention,' though experts have disputed this interpretation. Kennedy said he believes in 'freedom of choice' when it comes to vaccines, even for required immunizations like the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

  • On February 4, 2026, Kennedy visited the Tennessee State Capitol.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy and other critics claimed vaccine mandates violated the Nuremberg Code.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates and has promoted the debunked claim that vaccines are linked to autism.

Bobby Harshbarger

A Republican state senator from Kingsport, Tennessee, who is a pharmacist and also favors 'parental choice' on vaccines, including the MMR vaccine.

Monty Fritts

A Republican state representative from Kingston, Tennessee, and gubernatorial candidate, who also said he favors parental choice on vaccinations, even for the MMR vaccine.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in freedom of choice.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (Tennessee Lookout)

“I think they have their place, but I'm not gonna sit here and mandate someone to have something that they don't believe in.”

— Bobby Harshbarger, Republican state senator and pharmacist (Tennessee Lookout)

“I think God gives the child to the parent, not the state.”

— Monty Fritts, Republican state representative and gubernatorial candidate (Tennessee Lookout)

What’s next

The Tennessee legislature will consider a $1 billion Rural Health Transformation program that includes vaccination requirements, which could face opposition from lawmakers influenced by Kennedy's stance.

The takeaway

Kennedy's continued advocacy for 'freedom of choice' on vaccines, even for required school immunizations, could embolden state lawmakers to roll back public health protections, potentially leading to increased risks of preventable disease outbreaks, especially for vulnerable populations.