RFK Jr. Proposes Overhaul of Vaccine Injury Program

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the creation of a team to overhaul the U.S. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, aiming to better identify and compensate vaccine-related injuries. Kennedy is seeking to expand the program to include people harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, who are currently excluded from coverage. He also advocates for extending the statute of limitations for filing claims. The program, established in 1986, currently protects vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits and only covers routine vaccines. However, there is uncertainty about whether Kennedy has the authority to enact these reforms without congressional approval. These plans were outlined in an interview with Tucker Carlson, where Kennedy discussed ongoing issues with the compensation system.