U.S. vaccine policy could see big changes in 2026

WASHINGTON — Vaccine policy has become a key issue for the Trump administration, especially under the leadership of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who himself once led an anti-vaccine group.

In less than a year, Kennedy has bulldozed vaccine policy precedent and government personnel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration alike have seen shake-ups of their immunization work, often with little or no explanation.

The changes have reduced access to shots, slashed funding for their development, and sought to raise new doubts about their safety.