Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Kennedy's Vaccine Claims Threaten COVID-19 Public Health Efforts

5/7/2025

41 4

Center

Kennedy's Vaccine Controversy

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred controversy with false claims about vaccine safety, alleging a lack of placebo-controlled trials. Experts quickly countered, affirming that vaccines are subjected to thorough testing. Alarmingly, proposed new policies could hinder the rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines, jeopardizing public health efforts across the U.S.

Right

Kennedy Testifies Budget

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate on May 14 about the 2026 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. The proposed budget allocates $500 million to the Make America Healthy Again initiative, sparking controversy over potential cuts to health programs for low-income families, despite his assurances to uphold vaccine safety measures.

1 of 2

Kennedy's Vaccine Controversy

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred controversy with false claims about vaccine safety, alleging a lack of placebo-controlled trials. Experts quickly countered, affirming that vaccines are subjected to thorough testing. Alarmingly, proposed new policies could hinder the rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines, jeopardizing public health efforts across the U.S.

1 / 2