Fri, February 13, 2026
Thu, February 12, 2026

Kennedy Promises Sweeping Vaccine Policy Changes

  Copy link into your clipboard //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. dy-promises-sweeping-vaccine-policy-changes.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Health and Fitness on by Action News Jax
      Locales: Florida, New York, California, UNITED STATES

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 12th, 2026 - Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is intensifying his focus on vaccine policy, promising sweeping changes to the nation's approach to immunization and public health oversight. Speaking in Jacksonville earlier this week, Kennedy pledged to fundamentally restructure the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), framing the current system as compromised and in need of complete overhaul. His proposals, while resonating with a growing segment of the electorate concerned about government overreach and vaccine safety, are drawing sharp criticism from established medical professionals who warn of potentially devastating consequences for public health.

Kennedy's central promise is a complete dismantling of the existing CDC guidelines, which he says are biased and fail to adequately address potential vaccine risks. He stated unequivocally, "I'm going to rip up the CDC guidelines," indicating a dramatic departure from decades of established public health policy. This isn't simply a matter of tweaking existing regulations; Kennedy envisions replacing the CDC entirely with a newly formed, independent organization tasked solely with vaccine safety assessment. The specifics of this new body - its structure, funding, and composition - remain largely undefined, though Kennedy has repeatedly emphasized the need for complete independence from pharmaceutical industry influence and governmental pressures.

The candidate argues that the current system is inherently flawed, citing perceived conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency in vaccine development and approval processes. He points to historical instances of vaccine failures and adverse reactions, amplifying concerns about potential long-term health effects. While acknowledging vaccines have played a role in disease eradication, Kennedy asserts that their benefits have been overstated and their risks downplayed. He's been a vocal proponent of greater individual autonomy regarding medical decisions, framing mandatory vaccination policies as infringements on personal liberty.

"I don't think they should be mandatory," Kennedy stated, echoing a consistent theme throughout his campaign. This stance has fueled support among individuals who feel increasingly alienated by government mandates and suspicious of pharmaceutical companies. A Jacksonville rally attendee, speaking to reporters, described Kennedy as "a breath of fresh air," adding, "I think people are concerned about these injections." This sentiment reflects a growing undercurrent of distrust in institutions traditionally relied upon for public health guidance.

However, Kennedy's views are facing fierce opposition from the medical community. Dr. Sunil Joshi, president of the Duval County Medical Society, vehemently denounced Kennedy's proposals as "dangerous" and potentially catastrophic. "Vaccines have saved millions of lives," Dr. Joshi stated, emphasizing the rigorous testing and monitoring processes currently in place. He argued that dismantling the CDC and abandoning established vaccination protocols would open the door to preventable outbreaks of serious, even deadly, diseases. "Vaccines are safe, vaccines are effective, and they're a cornerstone of public health," Joshi asserted.

The debate surrounding Kennedy's proposals extends beyond the immediate issue of vaccine policy. It taps into broader anxieties about government overreach, corporate influence in healthcare, and the balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. His campaign has successfully tapped into a wellspring of discontent among voters who feel unheard and underserved by the established political system. The potential impact of his policies, however, is far-reaching.

Experts warn that even a partial rollback of vaccination programs could lead to a resurgence of diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough, particularly among vulnerable populations. The economic costs of a widespread outbreak, coupled with the human suffering, could be substantial. Furthermore, critics fear that undermining public trust in vaccines could have a chilling effect on other crucial public health initiatives.

As Kennedy's campaign gains momentum, the debate over vaccine policy is likely to become increasingly heated. The candidate's promises to "rip up" CDC guidelines and establish a new system of vaccine oversight represent a radical departure from established norms, raising fundamental questions about the future of public health in the United States. The coming months will be critical in determining whether his message of skepticism and individual liberty will resonate with enough voters to propel him into the White House, and what the consequences of such a victory might be.


Read the Full Action News Jax Article at:
[ https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/health/rfk-jr-pledged-more/BOP6LFM4DUZTBEJTDNAIN2LIRQ/ ]