Professor Luke O’Neill has said it is vital to “ignore RFK Jr and make sure you vaccinate your child against measles.” 

The US Secretary for Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr has caused consternation among scientists for pedalling misinformation about childhood vaccines. 

After 140 cases of measles were reported in a Texas town, Mr Kennedy suggested the deadly disease could be treated with vitamin A. 

Before his appointment, Mr Kennedy also incorrectly claimed that the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to a rise in autism cases among children. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, Professor O’Neill described RFK Jr as “anti-science” and said there is “no evidence” linking the MMR vaccine with autism.  

“The famous study in 1998 with 12 children, that was debunked and retracted for being fraudulent,” he said. 

“That study is still lingering and that’s triggering yet another study in the US - to me it’s very anti-science. 

“It’s a bit like saying, ‘Let’s prove again that the earth is round.’” 

A nurse prepares an MMR vaccine, 11-4-13. Image: Julian Claxton / Alamy

Professor O’Neill warned that the fewer children get vaccinated, the more will contract measles - with some very serious potential consequences. 

“One-in-four children get hospitalised, one-in-500 die and 10% go deaf or blind - it’s a very serious disease,” he said. 

“It’s fully preventable with a very safe vaccine.” 

Professor O’Neill described the MMR vaccine as the “absolute best way to protect your child from catching a very serious disease”. 

“The message must keep being pressed,” he said. 

“Ignore RFK Jr and make sure you vaccinate your child against measles.” 

Autism

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with autism. 

However, Professor O’Neill said there are a number of reasons for that. 

“In the year 2000, for example, one-in-150 were diagnosed with autism, now it’s one-in-36,” he said. 

“It’s very simple; it’s more awareness, first of all. 

“People are aware of this condition and, secondly, they’ve broadened the diagnostic criteria. 

“So, you can fit into the diagnosis more readily - that’s the main reason. 

“It’s not because there’s something in the environment or something triggering the increase.” 

The MMR vaccine is currently part of the childhood vaccination schedule in Ireland.

Main image: Prof Luke O’Neill in the Newstalk Studio. Image: Newstalk