US Health Dept. Plans Vaccine Poll Amid Leadership Changes, Access Concerns

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is moving to issue a no-bid contract to HarrisX, a polling firm tied to a Trump ally, to gauge public opinion on vaccines amid significant changes to U.S. vaccine policy. Kennedy's tenure has seen efforts to reshape vaccine policy, including the controversial firing of CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky after disagreements on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, and the replacement of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee members with individuals criticized for anti-vaccine views. The FDA recently limited COVID-19 vaccine licensure to older adults and high-risk individuals, excluding young children and pregnant people despite medical groups advocating for their vaccination, raising concerns about reduced vaccine access and public health risks. President Trump, who once praised COVID-19 vaccines as a national achievement, has recently questioned pharmaceutical companies and demanded more data transparency, reflecting a shift in his stance that adds to growing public skepticism. However, polling indicates broad support for childhood vaccines even among Trump supporters, though opinions remain divided on COVID-19 vaccines. Public health experts warn that these political shifts and uncertainties threaten established vaccine guidelines and could hinder efforts to protect vulnerable populations.