U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he’s spoken directly with Gov. Greg Abbott about the measles outbreak in Texas, but neither are telling Texas families to get the vaccine that can stop the spread of the highly contagious respiratory illness.

Kennedy had previously called the measles outbreak “not unusual,” and he has criticized the vaccine in the past.

WASHINGTON—Amid a growing outbreak of measles in Texas, recently confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is urging parents to vaccinate their children against the disease.