logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
13m 33s

RFK Jr.'s New Vaccine Advisors Signal Bi...

NPR
About this episode
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Policy, an influential CDC committee that shapes U.S. vaccine policy, has become a flashpoint in recent weeks. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members and replaced them with 7 new members — many of whom do not have deep expertise in vaccines, and some of whom have spread vaccine misinformation. NPR public health correspondent Pien Huang was at the new working group's first meeting last week. This episode, she talks with Emily about the sweeping changes they promised to how vaccine policy is made in the U.S. — and resurrected issues that have been advanced by groups that question vaccines.

Read more of Pien's reporting on this topic.

Want us to cover more twists and turns in U.S. health policy? Or less? Either way, tell us by emailing shortwave@npr.org! We'd love to know what you're hearing — and want to hear from us!

Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at
plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Yesterday
Doing Science at the Edge of the Earth
Some scientific discoveries take place in a lab. Others are made deep in the rainforest, along the ocean floor or on the dark side of the moon. And still others are made squelching through mud and ice on the northernmost island on Earth… at least, if you’re NPR climate correspond ... Show More
13m 15s
Oct 7
Solved: The Potato Origin Mystery
Usually, when two different species mate, it’s a disaster. At least, that’s what scientists had generally thought about hybrids, the offspring of these unions. But some researchers are starting to change their view as they learn of more beneficial hybrid events. The Atlantic scie ... Show More
12m 27s
Oct 6
The Science Of Fear And Horror Movies
Creepy crawly season is upon us, Short Wavers! We're welcoming fall with a contemplation of fear and anxiety. In human history, fear kept us safe. It helped us flee from predators. Anxiety made us wary of potential dangers — like venturing into a known lion-infested area. But wha ... Show More
13m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 3
Here are your COVID vaccine questions answered
The one thing certain about the COVID vaccine right now is that everything about it is changing.The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines for the fall season, but it significantly changed who can get it.The move comes amidst a broader ... Show More
11m 14s
Sep 22
RFK Jr.'s vaccine dream team
Noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced a key board of vaccine advisers at the CDC. After a chaotic meeting, they just handed down their first set of new recommendations. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact- ... Show More
26m 10s
Jun 2025
One Thing: Under RFK Jr.’s HHS, Who Decides the Facts?
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the Covid-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women has sparked concern among many health experts. We hear from one of them who thinks this is just the latest i ... Show More
19m 39s
May 2025
R.F.K. Jr. Sends a Message on Vaccines
The Trump administration on Tuesday bypassed the traditional system of vaccine guidance and abruptly ended the government’s recommendation that two key groups of Americans receive vaccinations against Covid.Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter at The New York ... Show More
28m 50s
Sep 22
Vaccine Shakeups, Brain Injury Warnings and Boozy Chimps
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee has been reshaped, with new recommendations on the horizon. Meanwhile studies reveal subtle brain changes in contact sports players and highlight ongoing risks of repetitive head injuries. Climate change ... Show More
10m 49s
Sep 22
Vaccine Shakeups, Brain Injury Warnings and Boozy Chimps
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee has been reshaped, with new recommendations on the horizon. Meanwhile studies reveal subtle brain changes in contact sports players and highlight ongoing risks of repetitive head injuries. Climate change ... Show More
10m 49s
Sep 4
A vaccine skeptic is leading public health in the US. Today, RFK Jr. faced questions
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a scathing line of questioning from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the Senate on Thursday.Kennedy is a vaccine skeptic and is using his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services to radically change vaccine policy. In recent weeks, ... Show More
10m 18s
Sep 9
The FDA Commissioner on Vaccines and Public Trust
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the recent decision to approve updated Covid-19 vaccines for a smaller population. In an interview with host Ryan Knutson, Makary also discusses his thoughts on restoring confidence in public health policy and e ... Show More
24m 45s
Aug 29
The C.D.C.’s Vaccine Chief on Why Quitting Was His Only Option
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been plunged into turmoil.Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to fire the agency’s director, Susan Monarez, igniting a standoff that prompted three other senior officials to resign.One of tho ... Show More
29m 19s
Feb 2025
Do Vaccines Cause Autism? Guest: 'Just the Inserts' | Ep 80
Do vaccines cause autism? That's the million-dollar question. On today's episode, Liz Wheeler interviews "Just the Inserts" about whether or not vaccines actually cause autism. The two go over what they hope to see from the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. ... Show More
58m 14s