FDA and CDC Halt Vaccine Safety Study Releases Amid Transparency Pledge

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy promised "radical transparency" for health agencies. Despite that pledge, the FDA and CDC have prevented the publication of vaccine safety and efficacy research. The moves follow reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post detailing internal agency actions.

The FDA concluded that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks based on the available evidence, stating, "Given the available evidence, FDA continues to conclude the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks." The agency blocked publication of studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, according to HHS confirmation reported by the New York Times. The CDC cancelled a vetted study showing COVID-19 vaccines sharply reduced emergency care and hospitalization risk in healthy adults after the agency's acting director, appointed by Kennedy, rejected it over methodology concerns.

These actions limit public access to data that could inform vaccine confidence and policy decisions. Researchers and journalists say the blocked studies could clarify real-world effectiveness and safety profiles. Observers warn that withholding such information may affect trust in public health guidance.