The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Tuesday recommended COVID-19 vaccines for all children ages six months to 23 months, citing the need to prevent serious illness. The move drew swift criticism from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who accused the group of serving corporate interests.
In a post on X, Kennedy called the AAP’s guidance “corporate friendly,” pointing to donations the association receives for its Friends of Children Fund from vaccine makers including Pfizer and Moderna. He argued the organization should disclose “its corporate entanglements… so that Americans may ask whether the AAP’s recommendations reflect public health interest, or are, perhaps, just a pay-to-play scheme.”
AAP President Susan Kressly rejected the charge, saying the group is transparent about funding and maintains strict safeguards to preserve its independence. “This attack on the integrity of pediatricians is unfortunate, but it does not change the facts,” she said.
The dispute underscores growing tension between the AAP and HHS under Kennedy, who earlier this year dismissed the CDC’s immunization advisory committee and replaced it with his own appointees, including vaccine skeptics. The AAP refused to participate, labeling the reconstituted panel “illegitimate.”
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
