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Kennedy Questions Flu Vaccine Efficacy Amid Rising Deaths

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that fewer children receiving the flu vaccine could be advantageous.
This statement follows changes by the Trump administration, where the CDC now recommends flu vaccines primarily for high-risk children or after consulting a doctor.
Kennedy referenced a Cochrane Collaboration review claiming no evidence that the flu vaccine prevents serious illness or death in children.
However, CDC data indicates that approximately 90% of children who died from the flu in 2024 were unvaccinated.
The interview will continue on "CBS Evening News."

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Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that fewer children receiving the flu vaccine could be advantageous.
This statement follows changes by the Trump administration, where the CDC now recommends flu vaccines primarily for high-risk children or after consulting a doctor.
Kennedy referenced a Cochrane Collaboration review claiming no evidence that the flu vaccine prevents serious illness or death in children.
However, CDC data indicates that approximately 90% of children who died from the flu in 2024 were unvaccinated.
The interview will continue on "CBS Evening News."