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yesterday

RFK Jr. Moves to Overhaul Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

His collaboration with the Justice Department alongside Pam Bondi seeks to restore the program’s original mission despite lacking detailed reform plans.

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the National Governors Association meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S., July 26, 2025. REUTERS/Isaiah J. Downing/File Photo
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a press conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, on June 23.
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Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com

Overview

  • Kennedy announced he is partnering with the Justice Department to revamp the federal no-fault vaccine injury fund he calls corrupt and inefficient.
  • He accused Vaccine Court special masters of prioritizing the HHS trust fund over timely compensation for injured claimants.
  • Established in 1986, the program has paid more than $5.4 billion to over 12,000 petitioners but currently excludes COVID-19 vaccine injuries.
  • Kennedy aims to broaden eligibility, extend the statute of limitations and fold COVID-19 claims into the compensation framework.
  • Public health experts and lawmakers warn that sweeping structural changes without clear safeguards could erode trust in the program and in vaccination efforts.