Story perspectives

Critics Slam Kennedy's $1.6M Anti-Vaccine Research Grant

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces criticism for conducting controversial research that undermines the importance of vaccines.
The department awarded a $1.6 million grant to Danish researchers to study withholding the hepatitis B vaccine from newborns.
Experts deem the approach dangerous and say it could legitimize Kennedy's anti-vaccine agenda and erode public trust in vaccines.
Recent polls show a significant decline in trust toward the CDC.

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Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces criticism for conducting controversial research that undermines the importance of vaccines.
The department awarded a $1.6 million grant to Danish researchers to study withholding the hepatitis B vaccine from newborns.
Experts deem the approach dangerous and say it could legitimize Kennedy's anti-vaccine agenda and erode public trust in vaccines.
Recent polls show a significant decline in trust toward the CDC.