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Bracing For RFK At HHS: Vaccine Safety Commission Likely First Step

 
• By Michael McCaughan

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will become HHS secretary while retaining his anti-vaccine positions. His first action likely will be creating a new safety commission, which industry must hope holds off more drastic action.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the cusp of becoming HHS Secretary. (Shutterstock)
Key Takeaways
  • One of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first acts as HHS secretary could be creating a commission to investigate the safety of vaccines.
  • Concerns are rising that Kennedy also could ignore his agreements with Sen. Bill Cassidy or find loopholes to subvert them once in office.
  • But several Republicans could object if Kennedy does not live up to the bargain, especially on vaccines.

Vaccine manufacturers should anticipate a special commission on vaccine safety as an early action item once Robert F. Kennedy Jr

Kennedy’s confirmation vote is expected in the coming days. He will take office with a long history of questioning the safety of vaccines and after two contentious confirmation hearings where he resolutely

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