Contentious Testimony in Senate Hearing
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed with senators on Wednesday over his sweeping changes to U.S. immunization policy. During testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy repeated false claims about mRNA vaccines and defended his controversial appointments to federal vaccine panels.
Kennedy expressed agreement with a statement from Dr. Retsef Levi, a newly appointed member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, who has claimed that mRNA vaccines cause “serious harm, including death.” Extensive studies, however, have shown that Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are safe and effective, with serious side effects occurring only in rare cases.
Access to Covid Shots in Question
Kennedy insisted he is not restricting access to Covid boosters, but acknowledged that distribution “depends on the state.” The FDA recently approved updated Covid vaccines only for adults aged 65 and older or individuals with certain medical conditions. Until the CDC issues final recommendations later this month, pharmacies in some states have introduced prescription requirements.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., argued that these limits amount to reduced access. “You clearly are taking away vaccines,” she said, following a heated exchange with Kennedy.
Policy Shifts and CDC Shakeup
Kennedy’s stance marks a sharp reversal from his earlier promise not to make vaccines harder to access. Since taking office, he has cut funding for mRNA research, dismissed all 17 previous members of the CDC vaccine panel, and dropped federal Covid shot recommendations for certain populations.
The changes come amid turmoil at the CDC. The White House recently dismissed CDC Director Susan Monarez, with four senior officials resigning soon after. In an op-ed, Monarez accused Kennedy of “a deliberate effort to weaken America’s public-health system and vaccine protections.”
Evidence Contradicts Kennedy’s Claims
Kennedy questioned whether vaccines prevented Covid deaths, despite readily available data. A study published in August estimated that Covid vaccines saved more than 2 million lives worldwide between 2020 and late 2024, primarily among older adults.
The CDC also reports that Covid vaccines reduced the risk of severe illness by nearly 70% in adults during the 2023–2024 season and cut hospitalizations by around 50% in the first two months after vaccination.
Kennedy defended his restructuring of the vaccine panel as an effort to eliminate conflicts of interest. However, research from USC last month found that conflicts on the committee had already been at “historic lows” before his overhaul, which brought in several figures known for vaccine skepticism.