Journals Pull 2 Vaccine Papers and Probe a Third Cited by RFK Jr
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Journals Pull 2 Vaccine Papers and Probe a Third Cited by RFK Jr
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Summary
Three vaccine-safety papers cited by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC and an anti-vaccine lawyer have been removed, retracted or placed under investigation over the past two months.
Two journals said the studies had serious methodological flaws: a 2010 Hepatitis B-autism paper was retracted on May 21, and a 2021 VAERS-SIDS paper was removed because its conclusions could pose public-health risks.
Sage Open Medicine added an expression of concern on May 18 to a 2020 paper claiming vaccinated children had more health problems, after a complaint filed in January 2025 and years of criticism from scientists.
The studies had already been used to support Kennedy's 2023 book and the CDC's November rewrite suggesting autism-link studies were ignored, despite broad scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism.
Scientists said the delayed journal actions still matter because the papers helped erode vaccine confidence as measles and whooping cough cases rise in the US.
Why did it take years to retract flawed vaccine studies that had already influenced national policy and fueled outbreaks?
Is the scientific peer-review system failing if it allows flawed papers to misinform parents and policymakers for years?
After debunked research shaped health policy, how can public trust in science and government agencies be rebuilt?
Vaccine Study Retractions Surge in 2026: How Political Pressure and Misinformation Threaten Public Health Integrity
Overview
This report explores how recent vaccine-related studies have been withdrawn or blocked, not because of scientific flaws, but due to administrative and political pressures. It highlights a pattern where efforts to limit vaccine access include halting research, cutting funding, and blocking information that supports vaccine safety. For example, a CDC-authored paper on Covid vaccine effectiveness was stopped from publication, and a study co-authored by Michelle Barron was unexpectedly halted. These actions raise concerns about the integrity of scientific research and the impact of external interference on public health information.