Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Senator Collins discuss the Lyme disease crisis during HHS confirmation hearing
"I’ve had Lyme disease. I’ve lived in the epicenter of Lyme disease. Every member of my immediate family has had Lyme disease. I had a son whose face was paralyzed for a year, and I have a son today who has been suffering from the devastating effects of Lyme disease for two years. There is nobody who will fight harder to find a vaccine or a treatment for Lyme disease than me."
Read the transcript:
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME): The state of Maine has seen a steady and disturbing increase in Lyme disease cases over the past decade. We talked a little bit about this in my office. In 2023, Maine had a record number of Lyme disease cases—nearly 3,000 reported cases. Fortunately, there is a promising vaccine trial for Lyme disease underway at Maine Health in Portland. Access to a Lyme disease vaccine would be a monumental step forward in reducing the burden of this disease, which can have lifelong effects. I’ve seen it in members of my own family. As HHS Secretary, if confirmed, what influence would you exercise over new vaccine approvals, such as one for Lyme disease?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Senator, you and I have talked about this issue. I’ve had Lyme disease. I’ve lived in the epicenter of Lyme disease. Every member of my immediate family has had Lyme disease. I had a son whose face was paralyzed for a year, and I have a son today who has been suffering from the devastating effects of Lyme disease for two years. There is nobody who will fight harder to find a vaccine or a treatment for Lyme disease than me.
Senator Collins: I very much appreciate that. I’m sorry that your own family has been so adversely affected. In Maine, we have a lot of people who work outside and in the woods, and ticks are everywhere. So this is a very important issue to me.
