The NIH Clinical Center board has warned that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposed vaccine injury clinic could undermine the hospital’s credibility and public trust. The board, in a unanimous vote, expressed concern over the political optics of Kennedy’s ceremony, particularly signs labeling patients as 'vaccine injured.' Board members argued that the clinic’s protocol must undergo rigorous scientific and ethical review before implementation, a point Kennedy failed to clarify.
They emphasized that patients deserve care and answers, but warned that Kennedy’s long-standing skepticism toward vaccines risks biasing research outcomes. If the clinic finds evidence of harm, critics may dismiss it as politically motivated; if it finds none, patients may view it as a sham. The board stressed that the hospital’s reputation rests on its commitment to unbiased research, and that political influence could damage trust built over 70 years.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing