Health and Human Services Secretary Testifies Amid Controversy

During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the proposed health care strategy for 2026, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reiterated controversial claims about vaccines. Senators challenged him on significant changes he’s suggested regarding immunization policies and the operations of federal health agencies.

Kennedy expressed support for assertions made by a new member of a pivotal government vaccine panel, suggesting that mRNA vaccines could be harmful. While numerous studies have indicated that mRNA vaccines—like those produced by Pfizer and Moderna—are both safe and effective, with only rare serious side effects reported, Kennedy’s stance contradicts that consensus.

Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado pointed out that Dr. Retsef Levi, a committee member, has claimed there’s increasing evidence that mRNA vaccines can cause significant harm, including fatalities, particularly among younger populations. Kennedy, who appointed Levi to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, acknowledged he hadn’t seen Levi’s comments but agreed with them.

Kennedy’s remarks followed his recent decision to withdraw funding for the development of mRNA vaccines and to implement other policy changes that could restrict access to vaccinations. This includes dismantling a central CDC vaccine panel and discontinuing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for specific groups.

This situation comes on the heels of a recent shakeup at the CDC, where the White House dismissed Director Susan Monarez and four other high-ranking officials. Some from the agency cited concerns about the politicization of their work and the potential repercussions on public health. In an opinion piece, Monarez accused Kennedy of intentionally undermining the public health system.

Kennedy has consistently voiced skepticism surrounding the COVID vaccines, despite ample evidence supporting their safety. He remarked, “We were told vaccines would prevent transmission and infection. That wasn’t true.” He also confessed uncertainty regarding COVID-19 death statistics and whether the vaccines had any impact on those figures, adding, “I would like to see the data.” But it’s worth noting that multiple studies have already provided data showing the vaccines saved millions of lives globally.

He defended his decision to replace the entire CDC vaccine panel, insisting that his objective was to eliminate conflicts of interest rather than politicizing the committee. “What we did was depoliticize and include top scientists from diverse backgrounds,” Kennedy stated, asserting that these new members are strongly pro-vaccine.

However, a recent analysis from USC researchers suggested that conflicts of interest within that panel had been minimal prior to Kennedy’s reshuffling, which brought in figures known for their anti-vaccine views.

This story is still unfolding, so updates may follow.