Pennsylvania measles deaths ignite clash over RFK Jr.'s vaccination claims

NPR | By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Scott Simon

Published August 29, 2026 at 5:40 AM MDT

Two deaths associated with the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania prompted messaging from the health secretary that both encouraged and undermined vaccinations.

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Weekend Edition Saturday

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Selena Simmons-Duffin reports on health policy for NPR.

See stories by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

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