RFK Jr. Targets COVID Vaccines for Older Adults Amid Controversy

Federal health officials, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are reportedly considering new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines, potentially limiting their availability to individuals aged 75 and older. This development, highlighted by The Washington Post, raises concerns as Kennedy’s administration links COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to the deaths of 25 children.

According to four unnamed sources close to the situation, the Trump administration health officials may be utilizing data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to support these claims. VAERS allows anyone to report perceived adverse events related to vaccinations, but the reports are unverified upon submission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follows up on serious reports to assess the validity of claims, which are rarely substantiated.

Public health experts continuously monitor VAERS and other safety surveillance systems. Findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably safe, especially considering the billions of doses administered globally. While there is a low risk of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with the vaccines, particularly in males aged 12 to 24, the incidents are typically mild. Data presented by CDC experts show that vaccinated individuals generally have lower death rates compared to the unvaccinated population.

Since July 2023, 25 children have died from COVID-19, with 16 of them eligible for vaccination. Notably, 14 of these children had no record of vaccination, and none were current on their immunizations. Kennedy, a long-standing critic of mRNA vaccines, previously petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 to revoke authorization for COVID-19 vaccines. He has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that these vaccines have led to child fatalities, labelling them as “the deadliest vaccine[s] ever made.”

Under Kennedy’s leadership as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), he has consistently propagated an anti-vaccine agenda, appointing allies who share his views within federal health agencies. Recently, he canceled nearly $500 million in grants that supported the development of mRNA vaccines aimed at preventing future pandemics. Additionally, he dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), placing individuals with similar skepticism about mRNA vaccines in their stead.

Upcoming ACIP Meeting and Potential Restrictions

The new ACIP is scheduled to convene on September 18 and 19, 2023, to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations, including the Hepatitis B vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine. There is a growing concern that the newly appointed members could vote to impose further restrictions on vaccine access. Current discussions indicate the possibility of limiting COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to those aged 75 and older, while younger individuals may be advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding vaccination.

These potential changes come amid a chaotic environment surrounding vaccine access and a lack of updated ACIP recommendations, which are typically released earlier in the year. Kennedy’s administration has already restricted vaccine access for individuals aged 6 months to 64 years, now allowing the vaccine only for those over 65 or those under 64 with certain medical conditions.

The reported changes are likely to provoke increased backlash against Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance. Medical organizations have taken the rare step of issuing their own evidence-based guidelines, advocating for COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children, particularly those under two years old, as well as pregnant individuals and healthy adults. A coalition of lawmakers and over 1,000 current and former HHS employees have called for Kennedy’s resignation.

Criticism has emerged from across the political spectrum. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician who previously supported Kennedy’s confirmation, has condemned the move to restrict vaccine access. He emphasized the need for oversight, stating, “Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed for the now announced September ACIP meeting.”

In response to Kennedy’s actions regarding mRNA vaccine funding, the Republican-led House Committee on Appropriations has passed a 2026 spending bill specifically amended to include funding for mRNA vaccine research, highlighting the ongoing debate over pandemic preparedness and vaccine accessibility.

As the ACIP meeting approaches, the implications of these discussions are likely to resonate widely, impacting public health policies and vaccination strategies for years to come.