Trump administration to launch new vaccine research centre

US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, announced new initiatives on Thursday to study rare adverse effects of vaccines. Kennedy, appointed by President Donald Trump despite lacking formal medical training, emphasized the importance of listening to patients and families who report vaccine injuries, rather than dismissing their concerns.

While vaccines can cause mild side effects like a slight fever or pain at the injection site, serious adverse effects remain extremely rare and are continuously monitored by health officials to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. According to the World Health Organization, vaccination currently prevents up to five million deaths annually from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, and measles.

Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm stated that the issue is not whether to study vaccine safety, but that systems are already in place to monitor for any adverse events associated with vaccination. Kennedy hopes this latest effort will help build a health system that follows the evidence and uses what is learned to make vaccines safer, thereby regaining trust in public health institutions.

The announcement comes amid significant budget cuts to the federal health department and the country's worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with local authorities in Pennsylvania reporting five measles-related deaths in 2026 alone.