New HHS Secretary Promises Transparency and “Gold-Standard Science” in Vaccine Oversight

Washington D.C. - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), sent shockwaves through the public health community on Thursday, pledging a dramatic transformation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine policies. In a interview with Michael Knowles Kennedy declared, “Everything is gonna change,” signaling an aggressive push to reshape how the federal government approaches vaccine safety, data collection, and public messaging.

Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccine policies and founder of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, took aim at the CDC’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), claiming it captures “fewer than 1% of vaccine injuries” according to the agency’s own studies. “For 39 years, we’ve had a worthless system,” he said, arguing that the lack of robust pre-licensing safety tests and inadequate post-market surveillance has left Americans in the dark about vaccine risks. “We’re gonna fix it. We’re gonna have gold-standard science, and we’re gonna publish all of our data—good answers based on good information.”

The remarks come just weeks after Kennedy’s contentious Senate confirmation on March 13, where he faced fierce opposition from Democrats and public health advocates over his vaccine skepticism. Confirmed by a narrow 52-48 vote—with former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell casting the lone GOP “no”—Kennedy has wasted no time outlining his vision for HHS. He now oversees a sprawling department that includes the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with significant influence over the $1.7 trillion health sector.

Kennedy’s plan includes revamping the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which sets the CDC’s vaccine schedules. He has vowed to remove members he deems conflicted, citing a 2009 government report that he claims showed 97% of ACIP members had ties to the pharmaceutical industry—a figure disputed by former committee members and NPR’s analysis, which found minimal industry payments and strict conflict-of-interest rules. “We need scientists doing unobstructed science,” Kennedy insisted, hinting at stacking the panel with vaccine skeptics to shift recommendations.

Public reaction has been polarized. Supporters on X cheered the move, with posts like, “RFK Jr. just pledged everything’s gonna change with CDC vaccine policy—finally some transparency!” Others expressed alarm, pointing to the CDC’s data showing childhood vaccines prevented over 500 million illnesses and 1.1 million deaths from 1994 to 2023. “This is insanity,” one user wrote, referencing a rumored proposal—unconfirmed as of now—to recommend annual COVID-19 boosters for children starting at six months.

Experts warn that Kennedy’s influence could erode vaccination rates, already dipping below the 95% needed for herd immunity against measles in some areas. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine pioneer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told PBS NewsHour, “He’s an anti-vaccine activist with a platform to make vaccines less available. We could see diseases return that we haven’t faced in decades.” Conversely, allies like Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist and Trump supporter, praised Kennedy’s focus on “personal choice and safety” on Fox News.

Kennedy’s authority isn’t absolute—he can’t ban vaccines unilaterally, as the FDA’s commissioner holds that power—but he could slow approvals, alter messaging, or gut advisory panels. The CDC has already shelved a “Wild to Mild” flu vaccine campaign at his direction, with Kennedy demanding ads emphasize risks alongside benefits. The FDA also canceled a recent flu vaccine advisory meeting, fueling speculation of broader changes.

As the Trump administration settles in, Kennedy’s “everything is gonna change” mantra has set the stage for a seismic clash between his vision and the scientific establishment. With the Senate soon to vet Trump’s CDC director nominee, Dave Weldon—a fellow vaccine skeptic—the battle over America’s immunization future is just beginning. For now, Kennedy’s promise of “good information” hangs in the balance, as the nation braces for what’s next.Explain vaccine safety dataImpact on public health policy