Kennedy Announces Overhaul of Vaccine Injury Program

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a major initiative to overhaul the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), originally established by Congress in 1986 to compensate individuals harmed by vaccines. Critics, including Kennedy, argue that the VICP has become slow, inefficient, and frequently dismisses claims, undermining public trust in the vaccine system. Kennedy is collaborating with the Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi to restore the program’s original intent and improve transparency and fairness. Legal action from advocacy groups such as Children’s Health Defense has increased pressure on the government to address concerns about vaccine safety and compensation. While specific reform measures are yet to be detailed, Kennedy maintains that the changes are crucial for rebuilding faith in vaccines and ensuring just compensation for those injured. The proposed overhaul could have significant implications for U.S. vaccine policy and public health.