A document the Department of Health and Human Services sent to lawmakers to support Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to change U.S. policy on covid vaccines cites scientific studies that are unpublished or under dispute and mischaracterizes others.

(Reuters) -U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s surprise ouster of a national vaccine advisory board, claiming it was "plagued with persistent conflicts of interest," puts new scrutiny on the group that recommends which shots should be administered to the American public.

Multiple new members have voiced anti-vaccine views that are not based in scientific evidence. Their actions could shape the way insurers, doctors and the public make decisions about immunizations.

The health secretary cited financial conflicts, but a White House official and someone familiar with his thinking said he was also concerned about ties to Democrats.

Offit has served on committees that advise the federal government on the use of vaccines. Earlier this week, Kennedy ignited controversy for dismissing all the members of one advising the CDC.

By Sriparna Roy and Bhanvi Satija (Reuters) -Shares of global vaccine makers were muted on Tuesday as investors and analysts took a "wait and watch" approach after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

(Reuters) -U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic, has been making sweeping changes to reshape U.S. regulation of vaccines, food and medicine. The most far-reaching of his moves culminated in the layoff of all 17 members of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel of vaccine experts.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday removed all 17 members of a committee that makes vaccine recommendations to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - a move that could have major implications in Texas and nationwide.