RFK Jr. Reportedly Aims to Reverse COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Children

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services drew attention on Tuesday following reports that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is working toward a major revision in federal vaccine policy.

As reported by Politico, citing two individuals familiar with internal talks, Kennedy is pushing to have the COVID-19 vaccine removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) childhood immunization schedule.

Such a move would mark a significant departure from current CDC guidelines, which serve as the standard for pediatric vaccine recommendations. Excluding the COVID shot from the list could shift how doctors approach childhood immunizations moving forward.

Kennedy, long skeptical of pediatric COVID vaccination, argues that “healthy kids face an extremely low risk of death” from the virus. His views are supported by studies questioning the medical necessity of routinely vaccinating young children against COVID. Politico noted that “most European countries no longer even recommend annual doses for healthy young people.”

Supporters believe this potential policy change could appeal to voters disillusioned with the government’s pandemic policies. Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign has gained traction among those opposed to mandates and government-driven health protocols. He’s also a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Importantly, this change would not outlaw the vaccine for children but could represent a meaningful shift toward “evidence-based science,” a principle Kennedy has consistently emphasized.

According to Politico, “The CDC added the Covid vaccine to its immunization schedule after an outside advisory panel endorsed its inclusion unanimously in 2022.” Kennedy has expressed concerns over such panels, claiming they are often compromised by ties to pharmaceutical companies.

With his leadership role, Kennedy’s emphasis on transparency and scientific rigor may have a lasting impact on public health strategy.

On the same day this vaccine news surfaced, Kennedy joined other officials in another health-focused initiative. As reported by the Associated Press, he is calling for the removal of “petroleum-based synthetic food dyes” from the U.S. food supply.

Appearing alongside FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, Kennedy renewed his criticism of artificial food colorings, which he has described as harmful to children’s health. A 2021 review from California tied certain dyes to “hyperactivity in some kids.”

This proposal builds on earlier regulatory action—under President Joe Biden, red dye No. 3 was banned due to its “cancer risks in animals.” Kennedy’s current mission is to eliminate all synthetic dyes as part of his larger effort to address chronic disease and childhood illness.

While consumer advocates have expressed support, the FDA maintains that most artificial dyes do not pose significant risks to children. Nevertheless, Kennedy's agenda continues to gain visibility among health-conscious voters and reform-minded public health advocates.