Three studies used by RFK Jr and allies to justify controversial vaccine policies changes facing new scrutiny
Three studies used to support controversial vaccine policy changes are now under scrutiny. These studies, which questioned vaccine safety, have faced retraction or investigation by their respective journals. Critics argue that the studies have contributed to a decline in public confidence in vaccines, which is concerning given the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases.
- ▪Three scientific papers questioning vaccine safety have been retracted or placed under investigation.
- ▪Robert F Kennedy Jr relied on these studies for a book arguing that unvaccinated children are healthier.
- ▪The studies have been criticized for poor methodologies and have been used by the anti-vaccine movement to spread misinformation.
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A man gets Covid and flu vaccine shots in Boston on 7 January 2026. Photograph: Boston Globe/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA man gets Covid and flu vaccine shots in Boston on 7 January 2026. Photograph: Boston Globe/Getty ImagesMaha's Gold StandardTrump administrationThree studies used by RFK Jr and allies to justify controversial vaccine policies changes facing new scrutinyScientists praise moves to investigate, retract or remove controversial studies. The authors stand by their workMichelle R SmithThu 4 Jun 2026 07.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThree scientific papers that raised questions about vaccine safety and were used by the Trump administration to justify controversial changes to US vaccine policies have over the last two months been removed, retracted or placed…
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