Key facts
- The Trump administration will release $600 million in funds for global vaccines.
- The funds were withheld due to safety concerns raised by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about mercury-based preservatives.
- Gavi has committed to transitioning away from vaccines containing mercury-based preservatives.
- U.S. senators are questioning Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about potential conflicts of interest related to a Merck vaccine settlement.
- Kennedy previously stated he would transfer his financial interest in vaccine litigation to his son.
The Trump administration announced it will release $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for global vaccines after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns about mercury-based preservatives. The funds were previously withheld due to these safety concerns, which anti-vaccine groups have long promoted despite scientific studies showing no related safety issues.
In June, Gavi's chief executive stated the organization was moving away from vaccines containing the preservative. The U.S. State Department confirmed the decision to release funds followed Gavi's commitment to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines and expand access to newer, mercury-free alternatives. The U.S. previously contributed about 13% of Gavi's funding, and the organization had implemented cost-cutting measures due to the shortfall.
Separately, U.S. senators, including Elizabeth Warren, have questioned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from his family's financial ties to a $50 million settlement involving Merck's Gardasil vaccine. Kennedy, who was an attorney in some of these cases before becoming health secretary, stated he would transfer his financial interest in vaccine litigation to his son, Conor Kennedy, who is employed by the law firm representing Gardasil plaintiffs. The senators are seeking disclosure on whether his son received his share of the settlement fees and have asked if Kennedy will recuse himself from decisions involving Gardasil or vaccine litigation policy.