Secretary of Health and Human Services - 101
Controversial HHS Secretary Kennedy Shakes Up Vaccine Policies, Staffing Amid Public Health Concerns
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been making waves with his recent decisions and policy changes. In his first month in office, Kennedy has taken significant steps that have both rallied supporters and concerned public health experts.
One of the most notable actions has been Kennedy's approach to vaccine policy. Despite promising during his confirmation hearings that he would not make vaccines less available, he has already begun to depart from standard vaccine guidance. This comes at a critical time, as a measles outbreak in rural Texas and New Mexico has accelerated, reaching some 300 reported cases and two deaths.
Under Kennedy's leadership, the HHS has made several cancellations and changes to vaccine meetings, contracts, and policies. The FDA cancelled its routine vaccine advisory committee meeting, which is held every March to identify flu strains for the next season's vaccines. The CDC also postponed a vaccine advisory committee that examines the cost and benefits of newly approved vaccines.
Perhaps most controversially, the CDC plans to further research the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, a topic Kennedy has championed throughout his career. This decision has been met with criticism from the scientific community, as numerous studies have consistently found no correlation between vaccines and autism.
In addition to his vaccine-related actions, Kennedy has implemented major changes within the HHS. He has laid off a significant number of staff members, including half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, affecting 1,260 employees. This move has raised concerns about the agency's ability to investigate and respond to potential public health threats.
Kennedy has also taken aim at what he views as sources of chronic diseases. He has suggested investigating anti-depression drugs, ultra-processed foods, electromagnetic radiation, and glyphosate pesticides found in some foods. His "Make America Healthy Again" initiative believes that chronic disease is, in part, driven by additives in food and pollution in the environment.
In a recent development, Kennedy ended a longstanding transparency rule known as the "Richardson Waiver." This change allows health agencies to implement policy changes about grants and benefits without going through the public notice and comment process. Critics argue that this move reduces transparency and public input in important policy decisions.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Kennedy has also taken some steps that align with traditional public health priorities. He recently renewed the Public Health Emergency Declaration to address the national opioid crisis, continuing a policy first implemented under the Trump administration in 2017.
As Kennedy continues to shape the direction of the HHS, his actions are likely to remain under scrutiny from both supporters and critics alike. The long-term implications of his policies on public health, vaccine research, and chronic disease prevention remain to be seen.
One of the most notable actions has been Kennedy's approach to vaccine policy. Despite promising during his confirmation hearings that he would not make vaccines less available, he has already begun to depart from standard vaccine guidance. This comes at a critical time, as a measles outbreak in rural Texas and New Mexico has accelerated, reaching some 300 reported cases and two deaths.
Under Kennedy's leadership, the HHS has made several cancellations and changes to vaccine meetings, contracts, and policies. The FDA cancelled its routine vaccine advisory committee meeting, which is held every March to identify flu strains for the next season's vaccines. The CDC also postponed a vaccine advisory committee that examines the cost and benefits of newly approved vaccines.
Perhaps most controversially, the CDC plans to further research the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, a topic Kennedy has championed throughout his career. This decision has been met with criticism from the scientific community, as numerous studies have consistently found no correlation between vaccines and autism.
In addition to his vaccine-related actions, Kennedy has implemented major changes within the HHS. He has laid off a significant number of staff members, including half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, affecting 1,260 employees. This move has raised concerns about the agency's ability to investigate and respond to potential public health threats.
Kennedy has also taken aim at what he views as sources of chronic diseases. He has suggested investigating anti-depression drugs, ultra-processed foods, electromagnetic radiation, and glyphosate pesticides found in some foods. His "Make America Healthy Again" initiative believes that chronic disease is, in part, driven by additives in food and pollution in the environment.
In a recent development, Kennedy ended a longstanding transparency rule known as the "Richardson Waiver." This change allows health agencies to implement policy changes about grants and benefits without going through the public notice and comment process. Critics argue that this move reduces transparency and public input in important policy decisions.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Kennedy has also taken some steps that align with traditional public health priorities. He recently renewed the Public Health Emergency Declaration to address the national opioid crisis, continuing a policy first implemented under the Trump administration in 2017.
As Kennedy continues to shape the direction of the HHS, his actions are likely to remain under scrutiny from both supporters and critics alike. The long-term implications of his policies on public health, vaccine research, and chronic disease prevention remain to be seen.
- Broadcast on:
- 22 Mar 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been making waves with his recent decisions and policy changes. In his first month in office, Kennedy has taken significant steps that have both rallied supporters and concerned public health experts.
One of the most notable actions has been Kennedy's approach to vaccine policy. Despite promising during his confirmation hearings that he would not make vaccines less available, he has already begun to depart from standard vaccine guidance. This comes at a critical time, as a measles outbreak in rural Texas and New Mexico has accelerated, reaching some 300 reported cases and two deaths.
Under Kennedy's leadership, the HHS has made several cancellations and changes to vaccine meetings, contracts, and policies. The FDA cancelled its routine vaccine advisory committee meeting, which is held every March to identify flu strains for the next season's vaccines. The CDC also postponed a vaccine advisory committee that examines the cost and benefits of newly approved vaccines.
Perhaps most controversially, the CDC plans to further research the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, a topic Kennedy has championed throughout his career. This decision has been met with criticism from the scientific community, as numerous studies have consistently found no correlation between vaccines and autism.
In addition to his vaccine-related actions, Kennedy has implemented major changes within the HHS. He has laid off a significant number of staff members, including half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, affecting 1,260 employees. This move has raised concerns about the agency's ability to investigate and respond to potential public health threats.
Kennedy has also taken aim at what he views as sources of chronic diseases. He has suggested investigating anti-depression drugs, ultra-processed foods, electromagnetic radiation, and glyphosate pesticides found in some foods. His "Make America Healthy Again" initiative believes that chronic disease is, in part, driven by additives in food and pollution in the environment.
In a recent development, Kennedy ended a longstanding transparency rule known as the "Richardson Waiver." This change allows health agencies to implement policy changes about grants and benefits without going through the public notice and comment process. Critics argue that this move reduces transparency and public input in important policy decisions.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Kennedy has also taken some steps that align with traditional public health priorities. He recently renewed the Public Health Emergency Declaration to address the national opioid crisis, continuing a policy first implemented under the Trump administration in 2017.
As Kennedy continues to shape the direction of the HHS, his actions are likely to remain under scrutiny from both supporters and critics alike. The long-term implications of his policies on public health, vaccine research, and chronic disease prevention remain to be seen.
One of the most notable actions has been Kennedy's approach to vaccine policy. Despite promising during his confirmation hearings that he would not make vaccines less available, he has already begun to depart from standard vaccine guidance. This comes at a critical time, as a measles outbreak in rural Texas and New Mexico has accelerated, reaching some 300 reported cases and two deaths.
Under Kennedy's leadership, the HHS has made several cancellations and changes to vaccine meetings, contracts, and policies. The FDA cancelled its routine vaccine advisory committee meeting, which is held every March to identify flu strains for the next season's vaccines. The CDC also postponed a vaccine advisory committee that examines the cost and benefits of newly approved vaccines.
Perhaps most controversially, the CDC plans to further research the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, a topic Kennedy has championed throughout his career. This decision has been met with criticism from the scientific community, as numerous studies have consistently found no correlation between vaccines and autism.
In addition to his vaccine-related actions, Kennedy has implemented major changes within the HHS. He has laid off a significant number of staff members, including half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, affecting 1,260 employees. This move has raised concerns about the agency's ability to investigate and respond to potential public health threats.
Kennedy has also taken aim at what he views as sources of chronic diseases. He has suggested investigating anti-depression drugs, ultra-processed foods, electromagnetic radiation, and glyphosate pesticides found in some foods. His "Make America Healthy Again" initiative believes that chronic disease is, in part, driven by additives in food and pollution in the environment.
In a recent development, Kennedy ended a longstanding transparency rule known as the "Richardson Waiver." This change allows health agencies to implement policy changes about grants and benefits without going through the public notice and comment process. Critics argue that this move reduces transparency and public input in important policy decisions.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, Kennedy has also taken some steps that align with traditional public health priorities. He recently renewed the Public Health Emergency Declaration to address the national opioid crisis, continuing a policy first implemented under the Trump administration in 2017.
As Kennedy continues to shape the direction of the HHS, his actions are likely to remain under scrutiny from both supporters and critics alike. The long-term implications of his policies on public health, vaccine research, and chronic disease prevention remain to be seen.