Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary, is actively pursuing access to the medical records of Americans to investigate a purported link between vaccines and autism. This effort comes despite a consensus in the medical community that such a link does not exist. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking data from state health information exchanges, which facilitate the sharing of identifiable patient information among healthcare providers. However, public health officials have raised concerns about the legality and privacy of such data sharing, as well as the potential usefulness of the information. Kennedy argues that understanding medical records is essential for investigating vaccine safety and chronic diseases. His initiative has garnered millions in funding, particularly from a Nebraska nonprofit involved in health data analysis. Despite the push for data access, many state health organizations are reluctant to comply without clear frameworks and approvals, citing contractual restrictions. Kennedy's team has faced criticism and skepticism regarding the focus on vaccines, which complicates the collaboration with state health systems.