U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a sweeping overhaul of America’s vaccine policies. As per several reports, he has been moving faster than many government scientists, lawmakers, and health officials anticipated. His approach has also ignited controversy, sparked resignations, and fueled calls for his removal from office, while also energizing vaccine skeptics nationwide.

Also Read: Hepatitis B Vaccination Timeline For Children Under Review Without Scientific Data, Says Former CDC Director Susan Monarez

A Rapid Overhaul of Vaccine Policy

In just weeks, Kennedy has enacted a series of dramatic changes:

• Restricted eligibility for COVID-19 shots.
• Ousted the CDC’s top official, replacing her with his deputy.
• Expanded exemptions for states that allow children to skip vaccines.
• Dismantled the traditional review process for updating vaccine recommendations.
• Stacked the national vaccine advisory board with critics of COVID-19 shots.

Observers say Kennedy is consolidating power quickly to avoid political pushback. “He’s moving at breakneck speed… he knows if he slowed down, he’d hit roadblocks,” said Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown professor of global health law.

A Pivotal Vote on Childhood Vaccines

The biggest test of Kennedy’s new direction is expected to come from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the nation’s top vaccine panel. This week, the board will vote on updates to the childhood vaccine schedule, including:

• A combined measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox shot.
• The hepatitis B vaccine.
• New versions of COVID-19 vaccines.

With no permanent CDC director in place, some fear these recommendations could pass without the rigorous scientific review traditionally required. Former CDC director Susan Monarez, who was dismissed by Kennedy in August, warned in testimony: “There is a real risk that recommendations could be made restricting access to vaccines for children and others in need, without rigorous scientific review.”

Clash With Public Health Institutions

Kennedy’s stance runs counter to decades of scientific consensus. He has long argued, without supporting evidence, that childhood vaccines cause serious harm. Health experts worry his policies could fuel declining immunization rates and resurgences of preventable diseases like measles.

Major medical groups, including the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Association, have urged his removal. Over 1,000 current and former employees of his department, as well as two of his own family members, have also called for him to step down.

Despite the backlash, President Donald Trump has stood firmly behind Kennedy, though he has warned against undermining confidence in “vaccines that work.”

Supporters and Skeptics

Kennedy has built a following across political lines. His “Make America Healthy Again” message resonates with conservatives and progressives alike, especially those who distrust the food and pharmaceutical industries. While his focus on chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes has found approval, his rapid-fire moves on vaccines remain the most divisive.

Anti-vaccine groups see his leadership as validation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already announced plans to end all vaccine mandates, including school-entry requirements. Meanwhile, Kennedy reinstated a childhood vaccine safety task force in August after pressure from advocacy groups, including Children’s Health Defense, which he once chaired.

Fallout Inside the CDC

The shake-up has triggered turmoil within the CDC. Senior vaccine official Demetre Daskalakis resigned soon after Monarez’s firing, citing concerns about scientific integrity. He pointed to an acceleration of Kennedy’s agenda following a deadly shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, where investigators found anti-vaccine writings in the gunman’s home.

“I felt there was undue influence on the science at CDC… I couldn’t stand behind its quality or freedom from ideology,” Daskalakis said.

What Are The Broader Implications?

Even minor changes to ACIP’s guidance ripple far beyond health agencies, affecting school requirements, employer mandates, and insurance coverage. Experts warn that restricting vaccine access could reverse decades of progress.

Jennifer Kates of the nonprofit KFF summed it up: “During COVID, the government mobilized to make vaccines rapidly available at record speed. Now we’re seeing a major change in the opposite direction—scrutinizing vaccine information and reducing access across the country.”

Restoring Trust or Fueling Distrust?

Kennedy frames his actions as an effort to rebuild public trust in health agencies that lost credibility during the pandemic. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended the reforms: “We are reforming broken institutions, restoring gold-standard science, and empowering Americans with honest information and real choice.”

But critics argue the opposite, that Kennedy is weakening scientific safeguards, sidelining experts, and exposing Americans, especially children, to preventable diseases. Whether this new direction strengthens trust or deepens divisions in U.S. public health remains uncertain.

Following the sharp hike in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, the Trump administration may soon begin rejecting visa applications from foreigners with certain health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.

While there has been no formal confirmation from U.S. authorities, a report by KFF Health News said a cable from the State Department to embassies and consulates listed new health-related grounds for visa denials.

Trump May Now Deny Entry to Diabetic and Obese Immigrants

According to the report, the guidance instructs visa officers to consider applicants ineligible for entry based on factors such as age and medical conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological disorders, and certain mental health conditions.

Officers have also been told to evaluate other issues such as obesity — which can contribute to high blood pressure, asthma, and sleep apnea, when assessing whether an applicant might become a “public charge,” or a potential financial burden on the U.S. government.

The guidance further directs officials to determine whether the applicant has sufficient financial resources to pay for their care. “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?” the cable states.

It adds that individuals who could become a “public charge” — due to age or chronic health problems, may be denied entry for potentially relying on U.S. public resources.

Although the directive applies broadly to most visa categories, it is expected to primarily impact those applying for permanent residency, senior attorney Charles Wheeler told KFF Health News.

Can US Officers Reject Visas Over Health Or Financial Ability?

Visa officers have also been instructed to evaluate whether applicants can afford medical treatment independently, without relying on U.S. public funds.

Wheeler said the new rule gives officers the power to form their own opinions on what might lead to future medical emergencies or financial strain. “That’s concerning because these officers are not medically trained, have no expertise in this area, and should not be making projections based on personal judgment or bias,” Wheeler said.

US Visa Officers To Consider Health Of Applicants’ Family Members

The cable also instructs visa officers to assess the health of applicants’ family members — including children or elderly parents, when determining visa eligibility.

“Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?” the State Department communication asks.

Currently, immigrant applicants must undergo a medical examination conducted by a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy. The screening includes tests for infectious diseases, an evaluation of mental health history, substance use, and proof of vaccination against illnesses such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B.

However, immigration lawyer Sophia Genovese from Georgetown University noted that the new guidance expands these requirements by directing officials to weigh long-term health conditions, not just communicable diseases, when reviewing visa applications.

While TrumpRx is making headlines for lowering the prices of popular weight loss drugs, something else has also grabbed attention of many. A video from the Oval Office from the Thursday Press Conference when President Donald Trump was announcing the deal with the drugmakers, a man had collapsed. Many claimed that the person who collapsed was Gordon Findlay, who is Novo Nordisk's executive. Dr Mehmet Oz, an American present and a physician was swift to check on the man who had collapsed. Independent journalist Eric Daugherty shared the video and wrote: "A man just passed out during President Trump's Oval Office announcement. Dr Oz Sprung into action and assisted him. Pray for him."

Also Read: TrumpRx: Will Trump’s New Website Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable?

Is The Man Gordon Findlay?

The reason why many have identified the man as Gordon Findlay because in the video, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lily could be heard asking, "You okay? Gordon, you okay?" Upon this, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in the statement that "a representative with one of the companies fainted". However, no names were given.

Also Read: TrumpRx Lowered Prices Of Popular Weight Loss Drugs; What More Does Trump's New Medical Website Offer?

Novo Nordisk later clarified the claims, and in a statement to Newsweek, the company said, "Please be aware that CEO Mike Doustdar and EVP, US operations, Dave More were the only two Novo Nordisk representatives in the Oval Office."

Dr Oz had previously also helped out at the Oval office in April, when a child fainted while he was being sworn in. A woman, who many media outlets claimed, appeared to be Oz's daughter, Daphne, escorted the girl who had fainted. Later, the White House official confirmed to Fox News Digital that the girl was family member of Oz and had recovered.

What To Do When Someone Collapses?

If someone collapses in front of you, the first need is for someone to try simple CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while medical help is on its way. What must one keep in mind if someone collapses?

Check for any danger around the person, and give the shoulders of the person who collapsed a shake. Ask them if they can hear you, notes BBC.

If there is no response, tilt their head back to ensure that the airway is clear. This may be enough for the person to again start breathing.

If they are not breathing, this is when CPR becomes important.

Also Read: Trump Strikes Agreement To Cut Costs of Popular Weight Loss Drugs: All You Need to Know

How To Do CPR The Right Way?

As per NHS, UK, there are two correct ways to practice CPR on adults:

Hands-only CPR

This is to be carry out as a chest compression

• Start with kneeling next to the person and place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of their chest. Place the palm of your other hand on top of the hand that is on their chest and interlock your fingers.
• Position yourself so your shoulders are directly above your hands.
• Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.
• Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow their chest to return to its original position.
• Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or for as long as you can.

CPR with rescue breaths

• Place the heel of your hand on the center of the person's chest, then place the palm of your other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
• After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
• Tilt the person's head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person's nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises. Give 2 rescue breaths.
• Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Ozempic is about to go on sale! With TrumpRx, a website announced by the US President Donald Trump will allow Americans to buy popular weight loss drugs at a cheaper rate. The drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have agreed to match prices to the lowest paid in peer nations for all their drugs in Medicaid and for the list prices when their medications first hit the market. They will be offering primary care medicines that will reach to customers directly at a discounted price.

While popular weight loss drugs could be bought from the website at as lowest as $149 per month, what else does TrumpRx offer?

In his own words, "By taking this bold step, we are ending the era of global price gouging at the expense of American families."

Not just Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, in fact, it was Pfizer, which is the first US pharmaceutical group that signed up to the website. The company said that it would offer discounts of up to 85%. This is for the medicines for those not using health insurance policies to pay and for those on the government's low-cost insurance programme - Medicaid.

When Will TrumpRx Be Launched?

The plan is to launch the website in early 2026 from where consumers could buy prescribed medicines directly from pharmaceutical companies without having to go through insurance. This is also to aid those under the Medicaid programme, which is a federal government programme for adults and children from lower-income backgrounds. The beneficiaries will have access to the drugs at a discounted prices, which is closer to those paid by national health services in foreign countries, known as the "most favoured nation" prices.

What Does "Most Favoured Nation" Prices Mean?

"Most Favoured Nation" or MFN prices are those that the national health services in countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Denmark pay the US pharmaceutical companies for prescribed drugs.

Since these medicines are exported in a bulk, the prices are lowered as the purchasing power is greater to demand of the ordinary consumers. This is why pharmaceutical companies tend to sell their drugs at a lower price outside than in their own country. Earlier this year in May, Trump, thus signed an executive order that aimed at reducing prescription drug prices in the US. He stated, "The United States will no longer subsidise the health care of foreign countries.”

How Does TrumpRx Play A Role?

Apart from the lower drug prices of popular weight loss drugs, Trump, in July had sent letters to CEOs of 17 pharmaceutical companies and ordered them to reduce their prices, based on certain promises from his end, which included:

Manufacturers will be provided with an avenue to cut out middlemen and sell medicines directly to patients

Manufacturers will be supported by trade policy in raising prices internationally

Trump had also announced new 100% tariffs on imported, branded pharmaceutical products, which will allow him to deliver the second promise.

How Will TrumpRx Benefit People?

As per a 2022 study commissioned by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which is published on the US government website, the standard insulin prices in the US are 10 times higher than the prices in 33 OECD countries (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Lowering of the prices of drugs domestically, and removing the middle men could bring the prices down.

The study also found that the average gross prices in US were more than 10 times the price in France, and the United Kingdom. The prices further skyrocketed by nine times in Italy, eight times the prices in Japan, seven times the prices in Germany, and more than six times in Canada.

While many people who take insulin already pay a "net price", which is lower than the standard price, however, the net price is still 2.33 times the price paid in other countries.

TrumpRx, thus, could benefit anyone who buys drugs directly from the website. This is especially for those who do not have a health insurance in the US. As per a 2024 report from the US Census Bureau, around 8%, which makes 26 million of the US population, do not have a health insurance.

Which Medicines Will Be Sold Through TrumpRx?

Apart from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk's popular weight loss drugs like Zepbound, Ozempic and Wegovy, Pfizer too has shared a list of primary-care medicine, not limited to the following:

• Eucrisa: topical ointment for atomic dermatitis at an 80% discount
• Xeljanz: an oral medication for types of arthritis at a 40% discount
• Zavzpret: a drug to treat migraines at a 50% discount
• Duavee: to treat menopause symptoms at around an 85% discount.
• Toviaz: a drug for overactive bladder.