The U.S. has taken the unprecedented step of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance. Officials say the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule, announced Monday, won't result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but medical experts are slamming the move, saying it could lead to reduced uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is fending off criticism from his own base as some of the environmental and anti-vaccine activists who propelled him into politics have said they want stronger action against vaccines and pharmaceutical companies. Other Kennedy supporters have questioned why he and other government leaders have appeared willing to work closely with large corporations. The tensions reflect emerging cracks within Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" coalition as it amasses power and broadens in scope. The MAHA initiative has enjoyed widespread popularity, but public health researchers say the broad appeal of making Americans healthier can also cause conflicts within the movement by inviting competing interests.

The Trump administration is urging public health agencies to prioritize investigations of vaccine injuries, prescription drug use and autism's causes. The call is part of a new "Make America Healthy Again" report released Tuesday. Overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the report aims to end childhood diseases in the U.S. by refocusing public health on his so-called "MAHA" movement's priorities. The report suggests using personal medical records and health insurance data to investigate diseases and disorders, including autism. It also addresses issues like ultraprocessed food consumption and water quality. And it calls for increased oversight of prescription drug ads, especially those by social media influencers.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough bipartisan questioning about his COVID-19 policies in a Senate committee hearing. On Thursday, Democratic senators clashed with Kennedy over his changes to vaccine recommendations, while some Republican senators also expressed concerns. Kennedy praised President Donald Trump for the Operation Warp Speed initiative but criticized the safety of mRNA vaccines. He defended the firing of the CDC director, claiming she was dishonest. Kennedy's actions, including replacing a vaccine advisory panel with skeptics, have drawn criticism from medical groups. They warn his policies could increase vaccine-preventable diseases and have called for his resignation.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he won't collect fees from litigation against the drugmakers of a cervical cancer vaccine if he's confirmed as the nation's health secretary. Kennedy has faced scrutiny from senators at his confirmation hearings over his plan to profit from vaccine lawsuits while serving as health secretary. Kennedy said he'd amend his ethics disclosure after senators including Democrat Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts raised concerns about his financial arrangement with the law firm representing patients who are claiming injuries from the vaccines. Kennedy stopped short of making other commitments, refusing to promise he would not engage in lobbying the U.S. Health and Human Services agency immediately after his term ends.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said vaccines are not safe. His support for abortion access has made conservatives uncomfortable. And farmers across the Midwest are nervous about his talk of removing corn syrup and pesticides from America's food supply. The 71-year-old whose famous name and family tragedies have put him in the national spotlight since he was a child has spent years airing his populist and sometimes extreme views. A son of a Democratic political dynasty, Kennedy is seeking to become the nation's top health official under President Donald Trump. Kennedy is softening his long-held beliefs, hoping to win approval from the Republican Party. Kennedy's confirmation hearings approach this week.

Nevada election officials verified enough signatures for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign to appear on the Nevada ballot, likely bringing his his insurgent quest to shake up the Republican and Democratic dominance of U.S. elections to a crucial battleground state. Kennedy Jr. has gained traction with a famous name and a loyal base, and he has the potential to do better than any independent presidential candidate in decades. Some strategists from both major parties fear he could tip the election against them. There still could be room for legal challenges for ballot access, including a Democratic-backed lawsuit challenging Kennedy Jr.'s ballot standing in Nevada.