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Health Secretary's Panel Sparks Vaccine Safety Controversy

6/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shaken things up by overhauling the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, bringing in skeptics. In a controversial 5-1 vote, the new panel advised against thimerosal-containing flu vaccines, despite their proven safety. Critics fear this move could erode public confidence in vaccines at a time when flu shot uptake is already declining.

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Story summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shaken things up by overhauling the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, bringing in skeptics. In a controversial 5-1 vote, the new panel advised against thimerosal-containing flu vaccines, despite their proven safety. Critics fear this move could erode public confidence in vaccines at a time when flu shot uptake is already declining.