Health Secretary will ensure all new vaccines undergo placebo testing

Tue, 06 May 2025

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. plans overhaul of vaccine testing, report says

Robert Besser
05 May 2025, 23:30 GMT+10

Health Secretary will ensure all new vaccines undergo placebo testing

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to change how vaccines are tested, according to a report from The Washington Post this week
The change would mean that all new vaccines must undergo tests, in which some people get the real vaccine and others get a harmless substance (a placebo)
The department did not explain when, how, or to which vaccines the new rules would apply

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to change how vaccines are tested, according to a report from The Washington Post this week.

The change would mean that all new vaccines must undergo tests, in which some people get the real vaccine and others get a harmless substance (a placebo). The results would then be compared.

"This is a big change from how things were done before," a spokesperson for the department told the newspaper.

The department did not explain when, how, or to which vaccines the new rules would apply.

Reuters said the department didn't respond to their questions outside regular working hours.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tuscaloosa Times.

More Information

null in null

Business

Section

Amazon expands rural delivery network by investing $4 billion

Amazon to invest $4 billion to expand rural delivery network in US

SEATTLE, Washington: Amazon.com is ramping up its delivery game in rural America, announcing a US$4 billion investment to grow its...

Starbucks boosts staffing, slows automation push

Starbucks to beef up store staffing, go slow on automation rollout

SEATTLE, Washington: Starbucks is shifting course on its store strategy—putting people ahead of machines. The coffee giant announced...

China's factory activity shrinks at fastest pace in over a year

China's factory activity falls sharply as Trump tariffs bite

BEIJING, China: China's manufacturing sector lost steam in April, with activity shrinking at the fastest pace in over a year, as new...

Australia inflation hits 3-year low, boosting rate cut hopes

Australia's core inflation slows to 3-year low in Q1

SYDNEY, Australia: A key measure of inflation in Australia has cooled to its lowest level in three years, lending weight to expectations...

Ireland’s unemployment dips to 4.1% in April

Ireland's monthly unemployment rate drops to 4.1% in April

DUBLIN, Ireland: April 2025 saw a slight improvement in the labor market, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropping to...

UK grocery prices rise 3.8 percent in April, adding to consumer pressure

UK grocery inflation edges up to 3.8 percent in April, says report

LONDON, U.K.: Grocery prices in the UK rose by 3.8 percent in April, slightly higher than last month's 3.5 percent, adding more pressure...

Alabama

Section

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. plans overhaul of vaccine testing, report says

Health Secretary will ensure all new vaccines undergo placebo testing

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to change how vaccines are tested, according...

State Department launches second round of deferred resignations

State Department launches second round of deferred resignation program

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. State Department has started a second round of its deferred resignation program, according to an internal...

Alex Palou runs away with third win of year at Alabama

Alex Palou runs away with third win of year at Alabama

(Photo credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images) Spanish star Alex Palou is starting to pull away from the pack in the 2025 IndyCar Series....

Inbox: It was the ultimate surprise

Inbox: It was the ultimate surprise

Dear NFL, its time the Packers host a Week 1 opener at Lambeau Field again Wes Hodkiewicz Brian from Twain Harte, CA Shout out...

Ravens Sign 17 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

Ravens Sign 17 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents

Ryan Mink The Ravens signed 17 undrafted rookie free agents before kicking off their 2025 rookie minicamp. Baltimore has a rich...

Mailbag: Why pick another guard in first round

Mailbag: Why pick another guard in first round

byDallas Cowboys Mailbag,Nick Eatman&Patrik Walker (Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer...

Movie Review

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai [Blu-Ray]