RFK Jr. demands journal explain removal of vaccine study used to support his childhood immunization changes

June 15, 2026 - 19:18

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formally demanded that a scientific journal explain why it removed a study linking vaccines to sudden infant death syndrome. The study had been used by Kennedy to support his recent changes to childhood immunization recommendations.

In a letter sent to the journal's editors, Kennedy questioned the timing and reasoning behind the retraction. He argued that the paper was a key piece of evidence in his push to overhaul federal vaccine guidelines. The study, which suggested a correlation between routine infant vaccinations and sudden unexpected death, was pulled from publication without a detailed public explanation.

Kennedy's demand comes amid growing scrutiny of his leadership at HHS. Critics have accused him of promoting unproven or debunked science to advance a personal agenda against vaccines. Supporters, however, say he is fighting for transparency and parental choice.

The journal has not yet responded publicly to the letter. Medical experts note that the study had been widely criticized for methodological flaws and that its removal was standard procedure for correcting the scientific record. Kennedy's office insists the retraction was politically motivated and has called for a full review of the journal's editorial process.