Summary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., United States Health and Human Services Secretary, faced questions from US senators about his past comments and actions related to COVID-19 vaccines and antidepressants. During the Senate Finance Committee hearing, Kennedy disputed claims from senators and defended his views. The hearing also covered topics like vaccine distribution and the accuracy of COVID-19 death statistics.
Key Facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss health management and vaccines.
- Kennedy disagreed with senators on statements they attributed to him about COVID-19 vaccines and antidepressants.
- Kennedy rejected Senator Mark Warner's statistic that over a million Americans died from COVID-19, citing unreliable data.
- According to multiple reports, more than 1 million Americans have died from COVID-19.
- Kennedy praised Operation Warp Speed, calling it "genius" for its rapid vaccine development.
- Senator Maggie Hassan accused Kennedy of limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines, which he denied.
- The FDA restricts the latest COVID-19 vaccines to people over 65 and those 6 months or older with high-risk conditions.
- People outside the FDA's specified groups can still receive vaccines but might need to do so "off-label."
