Forcing Placebo Testing Where it is not Useful is Going to Kill Us

I am deeply worried about the recent announcement from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding mandatory placebo-controlled trials for all new vaccines. While transparency in public health is important, this policy could significantly delay access to life-saving vaccines and create unnecessary barriers to medical advancements. Experts warn that requiring placebo trials for modifications of existing vaccines—such as updated COVID-19 boosters—could be ethically questionable and hinder public health efforts. Established vaccines have already undergone rigorous testing, and forcing additional placebo trials could discourage pharmaceutical companies from developing improved versions, ultimately putting lives at risk. I urge you to advocate for evidence-based policies that prioritize both safety and timely access to essential vaccines. We need to have a science-based focus on these important life and death processes, not the feverish rantings of a non-scientist.