## Gaslighting in a Vaccine Controversy: The Case of RFK Jr., Samoa, and the 2019 Measles Epidemic### The Gaslighting and the Origins of Low MMR UptakeGaslighting, a term derived from a 1944 play, refers to a form of emotional manipulation where false narratives are constructed to create a false reality. In the context of the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa, efforts have been made to gaslight the public about the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) in undermining vaccination efforts.The outbreak originated after a tragic error in the preparation of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine resulted in the deaths of two infants. In the aftermath, the government halted distribution of the vaccine for 10 months. This led to a decline in MMR uptake, creating a population susceptible to the highly contagious disease.### RFK Jr.'s Role: Fanning Anti-Vaccine SentimentsAmidst the controversy, RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, visited Samoa in June 2019 to attend an event and discuss a proposed medical informatics system. However, he also seized the opportunity to bolster the anti-vaccine sentiments on the island.RFK Jr. supported local activists like Edwin Tamasese, who spread misinformation about the MMR vaccine's safety. He wrote a letter to the Samoan Prime Minister claiming the vaccine could be the cause of the outbreak and suggested defective vaccines or a shifted disease strain were the culprit. These claims were not supported by scientific evidence.### Dr. Vinay Prasad's Gaslighting AttemptDr. Vinay Prasad, a former COVID-19 skeptic, published an article on Substack downplaying RFK Jr.'s role in the Samoan measles epidemic. Prasad argued that the low MMR uptake was primarily due to the vaccine error and government failure, while RFK Jr.'s activities were irrelevant.However, Prasad conveniently ignores RFK Jr.'s attempts to bolster anti-vaccine views during the outbreak. He wrongly claims that RFK Jr. did not publicly urge Samoans to avoid the measles vaccine, despite clear evidence to the contrary.### Brownstone Institute's MisinformationThe Brownstone Institute has also published articles attempting to absolve RFK Jr. of blame. They claim the high mortality rate during the outbreak was due to "iatrogenic harm" caused by inappropriate medical care rather than the low MMR uptake.However, this claim is not supported by the medical professionals who were on the ground in Samoa. They reported overwhelming cases of babies with complications from measles, such as pneumonia, collapsed lungs, and dehydration.### Disingenuous Defenses: The Actual FindingsDespite attempts to gaslight the public, the facts remain:1. Low MMR uptake created the conditions for the measles outbreak.2. RFK Jr. used his platform to promote anti-vaccine misinformation during the outbreak.3. His actions significantly contributed to the spread of fear and distrust towards the MMR vaccine.### The Condemnation of RFK Jr.'s BehaviorThe effort to absolve RFK Jr. of responsibility for his anti-vaccine activities is a concerning attempt at historical revisionism. The damage caused by his actions contributed to a deadly epidemic that killed dozens of children.The gaslighting by RFK Jr.'s apologists must be rejected in favor of a truthful account of his unethical behavior. Holding anti-vaccine activists accountable for their damaging actions is crucial for protecting public health and the lives of vulnerable populations.