President-elect Donald Trump picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, as his nominee Thursday to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

This move, which comes after Kennedy ended his presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, positions the environmental activist to potentially reshape national health policies. The selection has stirred mixed reactions, particularly from public health experts, Politico reports.

“For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,” Trump said in a tweet announcing the decision.

As Benzinga reported earlier this month, Kennedy has a history of spreading falsehoods about vaccines, including that they cause autism, a theory disproven by scientific studies. His selection as the nominee for HHS secretary comes against a backdrop of falling vaccination rates, which coincide with, in one example, 13 measles outbreaks in the U.S. so far this year.

What Happened: Trump’s decision is part of a broader promise to “let Kennedy go wild” with health and food policies, aiming to overhaul the HHS. Kennedy has expressed sharp criticisms of several health agencies.

Kennedy had hinted at the potential role of “health czar” in Trump’s administration. If he is confirmed, Kennedy’s appointment could influence vaccine policy and the direction of the CDC, FDA, and NIH.

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Kennedy’s prospective role has already affected vaccine manufacturer stocks. Major vaccine-related companies saw declines in stock prices on Thursday due to the uncertainty surrounding Kennedy’s influence on health policy.

Key companies impacted include:

• Moderna Inc. MRNA down 5.62% to $39.77.
• Pfizer Inc. PFE down 2.62% to $26.02.
• Johnson & Johnson JNJ down 0.89% to $151.87.
• AstraZeneca plc AZN down 0.38% to $65.04.
• Novavax Inc. NVAX down 7.02% to $7.22.

Why It Matters: Kennedy’s views on vaccines and health oversight agencies stand in stark contrast to established medical consensus. His appointment could alter public health directives, with some analysts predicting potential shifts in FDA regulatory independence and vaccine guidelines.

The impact may extend beyond policy, shaping public trust in health systems amid ongoing debates over vaccine safety.

Kennedy, while indicating he has no plans to “take away anybody’s vaccines,” continues to be a polarizing figure. Vaccine-related stocks may experience ongoing volatility as the Trump administration finalizes its health policy agenda.

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