GoKawiilNIH board chair warns RFK Jr.'s vaccine injury clinic could harm Clinical Center's reputation
At a board meeting overseeing the NIH Clinical Center Research Hospital, chair Jack Leslie spent six minutes criticizing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over a ribbon-cutting event for a new vaccine injury clinic, which featured a panel of people claiming vaccine injuries. Hospital CEO Jonathan Green clarified that the NIH already studies vaccine safety and that Kennedy's clinic is simply a new treatment protocol, not an expansion of funding or space.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The board's public rebuke suggests internal concern that Kennedy's political activities could undermine trust in the hospital, which relies on its reputation to attract patients with rare and difficult conditions. Leslie's comments indicate that NIH leadership sees a distinction between legitimate scientific study of vaccine injuries and what they view as a symbolic political gesture, though the full implications for the hospital's standing remain uncertain.
- NIH Clinical Center board chair publicly criticized RFK Jr.'s vaccine injury clinic ribbon-cutting event
- NIH already has an existing center studying vaccine injuries, predating Kennedy's new clinic
- Kennedy's clinic is described by hospital leadership as a new protocol, not additional funding or space
Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “RFK Jr.’s vaccine injury clinic could damage NIH hospital, board warns”
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