U.S. HHS Reinstates “Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines” After CHD-Funded Lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reinstated the “Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines,” a federal panel created by Congress in 1986 to improve the safety of childhood vaccines.
The move comes just one day before the agency’s deadline to respond to a lawsuit filed in May by attorney Ray Flores and funded by Children’s Health Defense (CHD). The suit alleged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. violated federal law by failing to convene the task force when he took office.
“This is a great day for children and a great day for CHD,” Flores said, noting the lawsuit will now be dismissed — but can be refiled if HHS fails to follow through.
CHD CEO Mary Holland, Esq. welcomed the announcement, saying,
“It took nearly 30 years for HHS to do this, but at last, we have an HHS secretary who is following the law on this vital issue.”
The task force, required under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, includes the heads of HHS, FDA, NIH and CDC. Despite being mandated to report to Congress every two years, no such reports have ever been produced. The original task force was disbanded in 1998.
NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said the reinstated body will aim to “advance vaccine safety and support innovation that protects children without compromise.”
Michael Kane and Ray Flores discuss the win and the media’s spin below:
Source: The Defender
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