RFK Jr. and HHS: A Potential Game-Changer for Families with Vaccine Injuries

by Gina Badalaty

The past few years have been devastating for families like mine. The erosion of medical freedom coupled with difficult economic conditions have been challenging for those of us with vaccine-injured family members. But now, this country has a chance to start rebuilding a health system that embraces a mission to provide truly safe and effective care for Americans.

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stepped away from his presidential campaign to join Donald Trump’s administration, many of us felt excited and hopeful. For those of us torn between the two candidates, it was a dream come true—a chance to finally reverse the harmful policies of the last four years while starting a real conversation about vaccine injury in America. 

After the election, we waited anxiously to see what role RFK Jr. would take. When he was tapped as the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), many of us celebrated. HHS is a massive agency, overseeing 14 sub-departments, including the FDA and the CDC. A Trump administration with RFK Jr. at the head of HHS presents an opportunity to challenge the stranglehold of Big Pharma. 

The Confirmation Hearings: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

As expected, the confirmation process was explosive. The hearings exposed just how deeply entrenched Big Pharma’s influence is within our government. Some of the loudest voices against RFK Jr. weren’t just the usual suspects but those who claim to stand against corporate greed—namely, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Despite their perceived reputations as fighting for the little guy, both senators seemed more concerned with defending the vaccine industry than addressing the real concerns of American families like mine. Kennedy, in his calm yet honest style, didn’t hesitate to call out corruption. As The New Republic reported, he told Sanders directly:

“The problem of corruption is not just in the federal agencies. It’s in Congress too. Almost all the members of this panel, including yourself, are accepting millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry and protecting their interests.”

Sanders, of course, denied this, claiming most of his donations came from individuals. However, the database Open Secrets reports that he received $1,417,633 from the Pharma/Health Products industry in 2019-2020 alone, while Warren raked in $822,573. Republican Senators Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Mitch McConnell (KY) were also considering voting against Kennedy due to his stance on vaccines. And conveniently, McConnell received $582,282 from the industry in that same year.

A Hard Bargain with Congress

However, the most unsettling part of the hearings came from Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a former doctor, who stated that he would only support Kennedy’s confirmation under strict conditions—conditions that seem designed to keep the “safe and effective” vaccine narrative firmly in place.

Cassidy announced:

“Mr. Kennedy has committed to working within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establishing parallel systems. He will maintain the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes, and the CDC will not remove statements claiming that vaccines do not cause autism.”

That’s challenging for many of us to accept, but let’s step back and look at the bigger picture.

Kennedy is nothing if not strategic. Those of us who have followed his work know that he’s a master at exposing industry lies with verifiable facts. His confirmation hearings highlighted just how resistant Congress is to even discussing vaccine safety. And while some of Cassidy’s conditions seem troubling, Kennedy may see them as opportunities.

For instance, Kennedy can use his position to strengthen the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), making reporting mandatory and ensuring these injuries are acknowledged rather than ignored. He could push for more independent reviews of studies that show the harm of vaccines, helping reshape the popular narrative. Plus, the CDC director is not bound by the HHS secretary’s recommendations. And we know that Trump has no problem replacing long-time federal employees if they resist his agenda. More CDC staffers could be next.

Why This Matters for Families Like Mine

As a mother of two vaccine-injured children and a wife to a vaccine-injured husband, I have learned to keep my expectations low. My husband developed myocarditis from a vaccine over 20 years ago, yet today, I’m grateful to God that his heart remains strong. My children suffered developmental setbacks post-vaccination, and while they require significant care as adults, they are content and doing as well as they can.

To me, one thing is clear: with Kennedy at the helm, there may finally be a chance for real change. Even with making concessions to Sen. Cassidy, I have faith that he knows what he’s doing. He spent his career fighting corporate corruption and now has a chance to expose the truth from the inside. The Trump Administration has provided him a key role in protecting the health of America.

I’m resolved to face 2025 with optimism, peace, joy, and love. Because of that, I believe that Bobby Kennedy will make any partnership with Congress work first and foremost for the good of our children.

Also be sure to read Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: What RFK Jr. Is Facing