BRIEF—RFK Jr fears spreading—and there’s no vaccine

Concerns over the vaccine scepticism of the new US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary are only increasing as Robert F Kennedy Jr (RFK Jr) settles in to his new role.

Last week came the news that the first meeting of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices since RFK Jr took office had been delayed.

Now, it has emerged that the US Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee that had been planned to take place on March 13, has been cancelled—with no reason given for the cancellation.

The committee had been due to discuss the selection of strains to be included in the influenza virus vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season, Reuters reported.

RFK Jr’s approval by the Senate—in a 52-48 vote this month—was secured because he won the backing of reluctant Republican senators by promising to avoid shaking up vaccine policy.