How RFK Jr. could strip legal protections from vaccine makers as HHS Secretary

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has criticized laws that provide companies that make vaccines with protections from lawsuits. If he takes office, he has broad power to strip those protections, experts told STAT.

Most routine vaccines have had protections from lawsuits for nearly 40 years, and vaccines developed to address emergencies have enjoyed protections for 20. For the most part, the programs have been uncontroversial.

But that all ended during the Covid-19 pandemic, when programs meant to compensate people with severe side effects from vaccines were stretched, distrust in science rose, and routine policy decisions related to vaccines became highly politicized.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Accelerated Aging Linked to Recent Increase in Early-Onset Solid Tumors

SAN DIEGO — Levels of aging-associated biomarkers increased significantly in people born in 1965 or later, coinciding with subsequent increases in early-onset cancers, a large

April 10, 2024

Study highlights the potential of cell replacement therapy for Huntington’s disease

New research appearing in the journal Nature Biotechnology answers important questions about the viability of treatments that seek to replace diseased and aged cells in

July 17, 2023

Experts critique flawed system for monitoring drugs’ side effects in wake of asthma drug report

After a drug enters the market, it’s up to Food and Drug Administration regulators to ensure its continued safety and efficacy. A recent New York

January 31, 2024

Supercharge Your Portfolio with Future Health Stocks!

Join us for Profitable Insights & Expert Tips!

With expert analysis, comprehensive market coverage, and actionable insights, our newsletter equips you with the knowledge & tools necessary to make informed decisions & maximize your potential returns in the dynamic world of future health stocks.