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What is RFK doing to vaccines for children in America?

Michael Hernandez March 30, 2026

What is RFK doing to vaccines for children in America?

Episode Details

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plans to overhaul childhood vaccination schedules. This decision comes as a setback for Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccines who was granted unrestricted authority by Donald Trump to pursue his vision of “making health a priority.” Since assuming his role a year ago, Kennedy has advocated for reducing the recommended vaccine count for children from 17 to 11, a move that has sparked controversy within the medical community.

The American Academy of Paediatrics and other major health organizations have challenged these changes, arguing they breach federal guidelines and prioritize political beliefs over scientific evidence. In this episode, hosts Justin Webb and Marianna Spring explore the implications of Kennedy’s strategy for Trump’s broader campaign to “Make America Healthy Again,” featuring insights from Dr Debra Houry, the former CDC director who resigned in August 2025.

“Make America Healthy Again” – a slogan that has become central to Trump’s health agenda.

Hosts and Guest

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent • Dr Debra Houry, former Medical Director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

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• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Use #Americast for feedback

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Emma Close and Alix Pickles. Technical support was provided by Mike Regaard, with Purvee Pattni overseeing the series. Senior news editing by Sam Bonham. For updates, subscribe to Americast on BBC Sounds via the app. The podcast is also accessible on smart speakers – simply say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast” to listen.