A coalition of medical groups and public health organizations filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government in response to the decision to halt COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for most children and pregnant women. The lawsuit alleges Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disregarded established scientific review processes and misled the public by removing these recommendations. The plaintiffs, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, express concerns that Kennedy’s actions create confusion and anxiety for healthcare providers and patients. This legal action also highlights the context of recent changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the potential impact on public health.
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Newly released FDA documents reveal that the government’s top vaccine official, Dr. Vinay Prasad, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., restricted the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines, Novavax and Moderna, overriding recommendations from government scientists. These scientists had initially planned to approve the shots for individuals 12 and older, concluding the benefits outweighed the risks. However, Prasad decided to limit the vaccines to those at higher risk, such as seniors and those with underlying medical conditions, citing concerns about potential side effects and reconsidering the benefits in light of changing infection rates. This decision is part of a series of vaccine restrictions imposed by officials under Kennedy.
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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the country’s withdrawal of support from Gavi, citing concerns about the organization’s approach to vaccine science and a perceived loss of public trust. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized Gavi’s partnership with the WHO and questioned the safety of certain vaccines, including the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. This decision has drawn criticism from health experts, including Dr. Paul Offit, who warn of the potential risks to millions of children. Gavi, a public-private partnership that has vaccinated over a billion children, maintains its commitment to vaccine safety and relies on WHO recommendations.
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A federal vaccine panel has controversially recommended against seasonal influenza vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative used in some multi-dose vials. This decision, made after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced the panel with members aligned with his anti-vaccine stance, may impact future vaccine availability. Despite a lack of scientific evidence of harm, the panel voted to restrict thimerosal, which is more cost-effective than single-dose formulations, potentially affecting clinics that rely on them. Multiple medical organizations have criticized the move, citing the settled science on thimerosal’s safety, and expressing concern about its global implications.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that removing fluoride from water supplies could lead to a rise in cavities across the United States. This statement was made during a Fox News appearance where he discussed the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” campaign. Kennedy responded to concerns about the potential impact on dental health, especially for lower-income children who may not have access to preventative care. The admission drew criticism and mockery on social media, with many users pointing out the negative consequences of such a decision. The American Dental Association has since reiterated its support for fluoridation, emphasizing the negative effects of removing fluoride on public health and the economy.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism from Representative Kim Schrier during a House subcommittee hearing for spreading vaccine misinformation, particularly regarding measles. Schrier, a former physician, challenged Kennedy, who admitted to never having treated a measles case. Kennedy was also accused of lying to Senator Bill Cassidy about altering the CDC’s immunization advisory committee, which he later replaced with vaccine skeptics. Kennedy has previously made unfounded claims about the measles vaccine and justified religious communities’ refusal to vaccinate.
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During a House committee hearing, Rep. Kim Schrier criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for spreading misinformation about vaccines. Schrier, a pediatrician, specifically stated she would hold Kennedy responsible for any deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses, citing his long history of questioning vaccine safety. Kennedy’s actions include removing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Schrier accused Kennedy of lying to parents and specifically to Senator Cassidy and said she does not trust him.
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Under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, the U.S. health infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by widespread firings and the disruption of established scientific norms. Thousands of health workers and scientists have been dismissed, leading to a climate of fear and distrust within agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. This restructuring, driven by Kennedy’s agenda and implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), has resulted in cancelled research programs, increased bureaucracy, and a shortage of essential resources. The consequences, according to numerous sources, include a weakened public health system and potential harm to the American public.
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Following a visit to a Fort Detrick biosafety lab with Senator Rand Paul and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was hospitalized for an allergic reaction. The lab, temporarily shut down due to safety concerns stemming from a reported incident involving researchers, studies highly dangerous pathogens. Noem’s hospitalization occurred one day after Kennedy publicized their visit. While the cause of Noem’s reaction remains unclear, officials stated she is recovering.
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Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently appeared on Fox News, disseminating false claims about vaccines, including the number of mandatory vaccines and the extent of their safety testing. His statements, which were swiftly debunked by medical professionals on X, asserted that vaccines are largely untested and negatively impact the immune system. These claims directly contradict established scientific evidence and expert consensus. Kennedy’s actions, including the dismissal of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, raise significant concerns about public health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker