RFK Jr announces HHS probes school for vaccinating child without parental consent

WASHINGTON, DC: The US Department of Health and Human Services has launched an investigation after a school in the Midwest reportedly gave a federally funded vaccine to a child without parental consent, despite state exemptions. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr emphasized that parents have rights over their children’s healthcare and access to medical records. 

Robert F Kennedy Jr announces HHS investigation

In a video on X, RFK Jr announced, “Today I'm announcing decisive steps that HHS is taking to defend something that is absolutely fundamental in this country.”

“A parent's right to guide their child's health decisions. That right is not optional. It's not negotiable. Under the Trump administration, it will not be ignored.”

He added, “HHS has launched an investigation into a troubling incident in the Midwest. A school administered a federally funded vaccine to a child without the parent's consent and despite a legally recognized state exemption.”

“When any institution—a school, a doctor's office, a clinic—disregards a religious exemption, it doesn't just break trust; it also breaks the law,” Kennedy said.

“It fractures the sacred bond between families and the people entrusted with their child's care. And we're not going to tolerate it.” 

Federal funding and parental access under review

“The Health Resources and Services Administration is sending a letter to HRSA-supported health center grant recipients underscoring a simple fact: Federal funding requires compliance with federal and state laws that protect parental rights,” Kennedy explained.

“Parents have another right that every American should know about: the right of access to their children's health records. HIPAA establishes the ‘Right of Access.’”

“If you have the legal authority to make decisions for your child, then you should have the right to see their records. No delays, no secrets, no excuses.”

“Today we’re launching compliance reviews of providers and major healthcare systems to ensure that parents receive timely access to their children's information.”

“Our office for civil rights has issued a letter reminding healthcare providers of their legal duty to give parents access to children's medical records. If a provider stands between a parent and their child, HHS will step in.”

HHS warns institutions on consent and accountability

“Let me be clear. Schools and health care systems cannot sideline parents. If a provider ignores consent, violates an exemption, or keeps parents in the dark, HHS will act quickly and decisively,” Kennedy said.

“We will use every tool available to protect families and restore accountability. The vaccines for children program must never become a workaround to bypass parents.”

“We're reviewing how states and districts process exemptions to ensure the program follows the law, not the other way around.”

“If you believe that your rights or your child's rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with our Office for Civil Rights at HHS.GOV/OCR/COMPLAINTS.”

“Parents know their children best. Parents love their children the most, and HHS will always defend their voice, their authority, and their rightful place at the center of their children's healthcare decisions. Thank you very much.”