Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed his intention to prioritize the study of vaccine safety and efficacy in his anticipated role within President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Despite his history of promoting false conspiracy theories about vaccines, Kennedy has pledged not to restrict access to vaccines for anyone.
In an interview with NPR, Kennedy emphasized the need for providing Americans with accurate information regarding vaccine safety, citing existing 'huge deficits' in this area. It is important to note that vaccines currently approved for use in the United States have undergone rigorous testing to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness, with ongoing monitoring for any potential risks or side effects.
One of Kennedy's immediate priorities will be to address federal research related to vaccines and ensure that the public receives reliable information. He reiterated that the goal is not to remove vaccines from circulation but to equip Americans with the necessary knowledge.
The federal government already maintains various programs to monitor vaccine safety, such as the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which serves as a platform for individuals to report any vaccine-related injuries.
Kennedy's past criticisms have centered on the research and production processes of Covid-19 vaccines under both the Trump and Biden administrations. His upcoming role is expected to focus on enhancing transparency and understanding around vaccine safety and efficacy.
