RFK Jr.’s CDC Deputy Director Favors “Natural Immunity” Over Vaccines
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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Halts Vaccination Programs, Promotes “Natural Immunity”
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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccines, has significantly curtailed the state’s vaccination efforts. Landry publicly stated, in an interview with a Louisiana news outlet, that he doesn’t recommend COVID-19 vaccines, preferring “natural immunity.” In February 2025, he directed the Louisiana Department of Health to cease promoting mass vaccinations, including seasonal flu shots, and prohibited staff from conducting seasonal vaccine campaigns.
landry’s Stance on vaccination
Governor Landry’s preference for “natural immunity” – the protection developed after contracting and recovering from a disease – contradicts the consensus of medical experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Association (WHO) consistently recommend vaccination as the safest and most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.Vaccines stimulate the immune system without the risks associated with contracting the disease itself.
Landry’s views align with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist. Kennedy Jr.has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims about vaccine safety,and Landry’s management has shown a willingness to embrace these perspectives.
Impact on Public Health Programs
The February 2025 order effectively ended Louisiana’s mass vaccination programs. This includes not only COVID-19 vaccines but also routine vaccinations against influenza and other preventable illnesses. The health department was barred from actively promoting vaccination, and resources previously allocated to these programs have been redirected.
This decision has drawn criticism from public health officials and medical professionals who warn of potential consequences, including:
- Increased rates of preventable diseases
- Strain on healthcare systems
- Higher risk for vulnerable populations (infants, elderly, immunocompromised individuals)
Ancient Vaccination Rates in Louisiana
Prior to Landry’s administration, louisiana consistently lagged behind the national average in vaccination rates. According to data from the CDC, in 2023, Louisiana’s vaccination coverage for children entering kindergarten was below the national average for several key vaccines, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).The following table illustrates this disparity:
| Vaccine | Louisiana Coverage (2023) | National Average (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| MMR | 87.2% | 93.0% |
| DTaP | 84.5% | 91.5% |
| Varicella | 89.1% | 91.0% |