Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning from senators over his vaccine policies and statements during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Kennedy defended his appointment of Dr. Retsef Levi, a newly named member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, who had previously suggested that mRNA vaccines pose serious risks. Kennedy said he agreed with Levi’s position, despite extensive research demonstrating that mRNA vaccines, including those for Covid-19 from Pfizer and Moderna, are safe and effective, with severe side effects being extremely rare.
Kennedy also claimed that Covid booster shots remain available to anyone who wants them, though he acknowledged access depends on state regulations and that the government no longer broadly recommends the vaccines for healthy adults. The FDA recently authorized updated Covid shots with limited approval for adults 65 and older and people with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness. The CDC and its advisory panel are expected to provide guidance on vaccine eligibility later this month.
Senators challenged Kennedy’s statements, arguing that the restricted FDA guidance effectively limits access to Covid vaccines. Sen. Elizabeth Warren pointed out that not all Americans can simply walk into a pharmacy to receive a booster, highlighting state-specific rules, insurance coverage requirements, and evolving provider policies. Kennedy’s testimony follows a series of actions that critics say could restrict vaccine access, including canceling mRNA vaccine funding, restructuring the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, and removing Covid vaccine recommendations for some groups.
The hearing occurred shortly after a leadership shake-up at the CDC, including the firing of Director Susan Monarez and resignations of four senior officials, some citing politicization of the agency and threats to public health. Monarez accused Kennedy of deliberately weakening public health and vaccine protections. White House support for Kennedy framed him as responding to critics over policy changes that were labeled as commonsense efforts by some.
Kennedy questioned the effectiveness of Covid vaccines, suggesting they did not prevent infection or transmission as previously claimed, and expressed uncertainty about the number of Covid deaths prevented by vaccination. Research indicates that Covid vaccines have saved millions of lives globally and significantly reduced the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Kennedy also defended the dismissal of all 17 previous members of the CDC vaccine panel, claiming the move removed conflicts of interest and depoliticized the committee, although analysis shows conflicts were historically low prior to the changes and some newly appointed members are known critics of vaccines.
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