While the cat’s away, two FDA mice approve vaccine for kids. Cat returns…

Leave a CommentWhile the cat’s away, two FDA mice approve vaccine for kids. Cat returns…Commentary, Government, Health

In a significant development within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has dismissed two senior officials following the unauthorized approval of Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) for high-risk children aged 6 months to 11 years. The decision, made while RFK Jr. was on vacation, has sparked debate about internal oversight, vaccine policy reforms, and potential conflicts of interest. This report examines the timeline, key players, public reactions, and broader implications, drawing on recent news reports and social media discussions.

 Background on the Vaccine Approval

On July 10, 2025, the FDA granted full approval for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in vulnerable children, a move that contrasted with RFK Jr.’s ongoing efforts to restrict mRNA vaccine recommendations for healthy youth and pregnant women.

RFK Jr., a vocal critic of certain vaccine practices, had previously removed COVID-19 vaccines from routine schedules for healthy children in May 2025 and dismissed the entire CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025. According to sources close to the matter, including vaccine researcher Dr. Robert Malone, the approval was expedited by HHS Chief of Staff Heather Flick Melanson and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Hannah Anderson without consulting RFK Jr. or his deputy.

This occurred during RFK Jr.’s absence on a working vacation, leading to accusations of bureaucratic overreach and possible influence from pharmaceutical lobbies. The move initially fueled public speculation that RFK Jr. had softened his stance, prompting backlash from supporters who viewed it as a betrayal of his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

The Firings and Immediate Aftermath

Upon returning, RFK Jr. acted swiftly, firing Melanson and Anderson on July 16, 2025, as part of a larger HHS leadership restructuring. Reports indicate the dismissals were directly linked to the unauthorized approval, with one deputy allegedly reacting dramatically by crashing into RFK Jr.’s vehicle in a fit of privileged rage. 

RFK Jr. has also reportedly referred the officials for criminal investigation, citing potential misconduct. This action aligns with RFK Jr.’s pattern of overhauling public health institutions, including replacing fired ACIP members with allies and vaccine skeptics. About time! It’s past time to address perceived corruption in regulatory processes. 

Public and Media Reactions

The incident has generated widespread discussion on social media and in the press. Supporters praised the firings as a step toward accountability, with calls for further investigations into pharmaceutical ties. Detractors, including public health groups, have expressed concerns over the politicization of health decisions and potential disruptions to vaccine policy.

Implications for Health Policy

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This event starkly exposes the relentless undermining of RFK Jr.’s leadership at HHS, where he is besieged by aggressive legal assaults on his bold reforms, such as a federal judge’s outright blockade of critical workforce reductions. Pharmaceutical powerhouses like BIO are waging an all-out lobbying war against him, funneling millions in a blatant bid to derail his agenda and preserve the status quo. Though the approval narrowly survives, it glaringly illuminates the formidable barriers to enforcing genuine transparency and reform amid a bitterly fractured regulatory arena. As RFK Jr. battles on to overhaul vaccine oversight, entrenched stakeholders from every corner clamor for “caution,” ostensibly to safeguard innovation, safety, and public trust—but in reality, often to thwart meaningful change. This saga is far from over, poised for intensified scrutiny, deeper probes, and seismic policy upheavals.