The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent a document to lawmakers in support of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to change U.S. policy on COVID vaccines. The document has been criticized for citing unpublished or disputed scientific studies and mischaracterizing others. One health expert labeled it as “willful medical disinformation,” particularly regarding the safety of COVID vaccines for children and pregnant women.

Kennedy’s announcement that the CDC would no longer recommend COVID vaccines for pregnant women or healthy children, made on social media, has sparked outrage among pediatricians and scientists. The HHS document, titled “Covid Recommendation FAQ,” was sent to Congress members but has not been posted on the HHS website. Medical experts who reviewed the document found distortions in legitimate studies and questionable citations.

The FAQ includes claims about the risks of COVID vaccines for pregnant women that contradict scientific papers it cites. Additionally, it highlights outdated and misinterpreted research on myocarditis and pericarditis related to COVID vaccines. Critics argue that the document lacks medical evidence and misleads policymakers who rely on health agencies for accurate guidance.

The HHS director of communications defended the document, stating that it raises legitimate safety concerns based on underlying data and science. However, the document’s credibility has been questioned by experts in the medical field. The controversy surrounding the HHS document underscores the importance of ensuring accurate and evidence-based information reaches policymakers.