According to an internal memo released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, at least 10 children are believed to have died as a result of COVID-19 vaccinations, with myocarditis (heart inflammation) identified as a potential cause, the New York Times reported.
In response, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has implemented a significant shift in government policy regarding COVID vaccines, restricting their availability to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with underlying health conditions.
Robert F. Kennedy, who was known for his anti-vaccine activism before becoming the nation’s top health official under President Donald Trump, has previously linked vaccines to autism and advocated changes to the country’s immunization policies.
During President Trump’s first term, when the pandemic began, and throughout Joe Biden’s administration, U.S. health officials strongly promoted the vaccines as life-saving measures.
The FDA memo, authored by chief medical and scientific officer Vinay Prasad, did not reveal the ages or health backgrounds of the children or specify which vaccine manufacturers were involved, according to the New York Times.
Prasad described the findings as “a profound revelation” and announced plans to strengthen vaccine oversight, including the implementation of randomized studies for all subgroups.
The New York Times noted that the FDA review’s findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the issue.
Prasad, an oncologist and outspoken critic of U.S. COVID vaccine and mask mandates, resumed his position as the FDA’s chief medical and scientific officer in September. In this role, he advises the FDA commissioner and other top officials on emerging scientific and medical issues that affect regulatory science and public health.
