RFK Jr. Changing New Vaccine Testing to Include Placebo

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a change to vaccine trial protocols: all new vaccines will now be required to undergo placebo-controlled trials. The agency describes this as a move toward greater transparency in medical product evaluation.

Some public health experts caution that while placebo use can enhance scientific rigor, it may not always be ethical or necessary when effective vaccines already exist. Implementation details are still emerging, and experts stress the importance of balancing scientific integrity, ethical standards, and public trust as this policy unfolds. The implications for vaccine development and communication will be closely watched. Read more from The Hill here.