Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to follow established rules for vaccine approvals as he leads the country’s top health agencies, but his administration is already introducing sweeping changes that may slow or complicate access to future vaccines.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary says the agency is preparing a major overhaul of how vaccines are tested and approved, led by new vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad, who has been critical of how COVID-19 boosters were handled. Though details haven’t been made public, the new direction has already delayed full approval of Novavax’s COVID shot and led to unexpected restrictions on its use.
The FDA now argues that even small updates to match new variants could require fresh testing, a stance that could impact this fall’s booster rollout. Other health agencies are also shifting. The CDC has yet to act on recent recommendations for new meningitis and RSV shots, and Kennedy allies have signaled a likely end to COVID booster guidance for children.
Critics say the moves reflect Kennedy’s long-standing skepticism toward vaccines. At a Senate hearing, he wrongly claimed only COVID vaccines were tested against placebos—prompting Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy to correct the record. Public health experts warn the administration’s approach may fuel misinformation and delay vaccine availability.
Behind the scenes, FDA scientists say political appointees overruled their recommendation to approve the Novavax shot last month. The final approval came only after added restrictions and a demand for new trials—steps some called unprecedented. Meanwhile, Moderna has postponed its new COVID-flu combo vaccine after regulators requested more data.
As the FDA prepares to meet Thursday to decide on updated COVID shots for the coming season, uncertainty remains over how the new rules will affect vaccine access and public trust.
China has openly supported Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland following renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
The US State Department has announced visa bans on owners, executives, and senior officials of India-based travel agencies accused of helping people enter the United States illegally.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations to reach a ceasefire and end the war.
Rescuers in Indonesia have had to stop searching for 14 gold miners missing after a landslide killed six people at a remote mine in Papua province.
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the UAE’s Tawazun Council signed a deal to strengthen defense cooperation and develop new technologies.
China has openly supported Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland following renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
The US State Department has announced visa bans on owners, executives, and senior officials of India-based travel agencies accused of helping people enter the United States illegally.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations to reach a ceasefire and end the war.
Rescuers in Indonesia have had to stop searching for 14 gold miners missing after a landslide killed six people at a remote mine in Papua province.
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the UAE’s Tawazun Council signed a deal to strengthen defense cooperation and develop new technologies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed President Donald Trump's administration to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. Trump has also aimed to end TPS protections for Haitians, Afghans, and others.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
China has openly supported Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland following renewed interest from US President Donald Trump in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory.
The US State Department has announced visa bans on owners, executives, and senior officials of India-based travel agencies accused of helping people enter the United States illegally.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin negotiations to reach a ceasefire and end the war.
Rescuers in Indonesia have had to stop searching for 14 gold miners missing after a landslide killed six people at a remote mine in Papua province.
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the UAE’s Tawazun Council signed a deal to strengthen defense cooperation and develop new technologies.
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