Kennedy's Crusade: Revamping the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday his intention to reform the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which compensates victims of vaccine injuries. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, criticized the program's inefficiencies and alleged corruption on social media platform X.

He promised to steer the program back to its intended purpose with the assistance of Attorney General Pam Bondi, accusing the existing system of disadvantaging claimants by positioning the Department of Health and Human Services as the defendant instead of vaccine manufacturers.

This move is part of Kennedy's broader effort to overhaul U.S. vaccination policies. He recently replaced the CDC's vaccine advisory panel with members, some of whom are known vaccine skeptics, and reportedly plans to alter another committee focusing on preventive health measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)