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Rachel Roubein

@rachelroubein.bsky.social
1.7K followers 26 following 62 posts

Washington Post reporter covering the Food and Drug Administration. Reach me securely on Signal: RachelRoubein.28

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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
New: The Post obtained RFK Jr.'s draft response to Kessler's petition in which he concluded food companies should provide "any detailed safety studies" about certain core ingredients in ultra-processed foods. wapo.st/3T2NPY0
wapo.st
White House has not acted on RFK Jr.’s push for proof ultra-processed foods are safe
A draft letter obtained by The Post shows Kennedy’s favorable response to a petition that food experts said could lead to significant changes for the industry.
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Caitlin Gilbert @caitlingilbert.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
exclusive from @lenasun.bsky.social and @rachelroubein.bsky.social: states will be able to order Covid vax for kids as soon as next week, through the CDC program that serves half of American children www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
States can soon order covid vaccines for low-income children, after delay
The Vaccines for Children program, which serves nearly half the nation’s youths, had been in limbo for almost a month, with doctors unable to obtain the shots.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
White House, as well as HHS lawyers, signed off on the plan to let RFK Jr. use military aircraft With @ddiamond.bsky.social and @abtran.bsky.social
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Exclusive: The White House has given RFK Jr access to military aircraft as the health secretary has criss-crossed the country. RFK Jr used private flight to join GOP candidates in Iowa last month. w @rachelroubein.bsky.social @abtran.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
RFK Jr. uses military aircraft as he campaigns for GOP in midterms
The White House and Department of Health and Human Services lawyers signed off on the plan to let the health secretary use military jets, five people said.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New: Federal officials are poised to declare end of nation’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak after thousands of people became sick after eating shredded iceberg lettuce. Timing could come as soon as later today but not guaranteed. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Federal officials poised to declare end of U.S.’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak
Thousands of people became sick after eating shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
NEW: The CDC is excluding two deaths reported by Pennsylvania from the agency’s weekly update on measles dashboard, a decision that came from new CDC director Erica Schwartz, per sources. Me and @Rachelroubein.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
New CDC director delays adding Pennsylvania deaths to measles data
The deaths have been at the heart of a bitter political dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D).
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Caitlin Gilbert @caitlingilbert.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
NEW: Shapiro + RFK Jr. are feuding over measles—Kennedy and his allies are attacking Dems after a coroner said measles didn’t play a role in the death of a newborn, while MMR rates in Lancaster have plunged from 94% to 87% since 2019. wapo.st/4xpgDsi @lenasun.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social
wapo.st
Measles’ role in child’s death ignites fight between RFK Jr. and Pennsylvania governor
A county coroner said that the pathologist who examined a newborn who tested positive for measles did not believe the virus played a role in the baby’s death.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The MAGA-MAHA alliance helped carry Trump to the White House. It handed RFK Jr. control of the nation’s health agencies. But MAHA frustration has been building over weedkillers, anger that is being directed at Trump's FDA nominee. With @ddiamond.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
A rift over a weed killer is dividing a pro-Trump alliance
Influential MAHA activists are channeling their anger over pesticides at Heidi Overton, a top aide the president picked to lead the FDA.
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The White House struggled to find an FDA commissioner, but they have a pick — HEIDI OVERTON, who's been serving as one of Trump's domestic policy advisers. Many outside candidates turned them down. More TK with @rachelroubein.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
Trump expected to pick White House aide to lead FDA
Heidi Overton works on the White House's Domestic Policy Council. She would replace Marty Makary, who resigned in May after months of turmoil at the agency.
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Caitlin Gilbert @caitlingilbert.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
🥬💩NEW from @lenasun.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social and me on the FDA finally visiting the Taylor Farms facility—I was personally shocked at just how much food has been impacted by this one supplier so we made these charts to put that into context. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
Pictogram showing the equivalent amounts each item that represents 3.1 million pounds, with small icons for the Statue of Liberty, blue whales and Boeing 737stable where every row is a brand for which the total cases recalled and the minimum total pounds recalled is shown. More than half of recalled food came from non-Taylor Farms products
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
FDA investigators are now in Mexico nearly a month after federal officials linked Taylor Farms’ lettuce to the nation’s largest cyclospora outbreak. Inspecting the processing plant now, fields next. w/ @lenasun.bsky.social @caitlingilbert.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
FDA in Mexico a month after linking Taylor Farms to cyclospora outbreak
Senior FDA official confirms that inspectors were on-site at the Taylor Farms processing facility and plan to be in the fields next.
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
BREAKING — Trump is planning to sign an executive order today that calls for spacing out childhood vaccines, breaking the MMR into three separate shots and making other key vaccine changes. @lenasun.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
Trump administration order would upend nation’s childhood vaccine schedule
The president has pushed to narrow which vaccines are administered to children and split shots up into multiple appointments.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
RFK Jr. slated to unveil plan today targeting GRAS loophole that allows chemicals in food supply without notifying federal regulators, according to ppl familiar with the matter. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
RFK Jr. slated to unveil plan targeting loophole that allows chemicals in food supply
The practice known as “generally recognized as safe” allows companies to self-certify the safety of certain food chemicals or substances without strict government oversight.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
icymi: FDA officials raised conflict of interest concerns ahead of new peptide panel slated to meet this week. Despite the flags, HHS chose multiple panelists who promote peptides, an unusual process given FDA staff typically pick their advisers. wapo.st/4wQFIf9
wapo.st
FDA raised conflict of interest concerns ahead of new peptide panel
That panel will meet to weigh whether the agency should allow Americans to have broader access to seven injectable peptides previously restricted over potential safety concerns.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 16/07/2026
Exclusive: Investigators have linked shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by Taylor Farms as a potential source of contamination in the outbreak of a parasitic illness that has sickened thousands in United States.
washingtonpost.com
Lettuce supplier is potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak, investigators say
Thousands have been sickened in the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which has been largely concentrated in southeastern Michigan.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
RFK Jr., a self-professed "big fan" of peptides, wants to expand access to the popular products. FDA career scientists said there isn't enough evidence to do so. With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Among our findings: — Federal officials exploring re-creating ACIP — An effort to create a new CDC Office of Science — NIH urging scientists to do vaccine injury research — Analysis of data from a surveillance system remains in hands of health orgs bsky.app/profile/lena...
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Before winning the GOP primary for Iowa governor, Zach Lahn attacked Big Ag, a stance once unthinkable for Republicans in the Corn Belt. — He beat a Trump-endorsed candidate. — Lahn had discussed his run with RFK Jr., who was supportive. W/ @laurenweberhp.bsky.social @ence.bsky.social
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
NEW: White House initially pushed aggressive monitoring of US hantavirus passengers who left Nebraska facility to finish quarantine at home, incl posting armed guards outside homes, before backing off. W @Bradydennis.bsky.social @RachelRoubein.bsky.Social 1/2 www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Officials divided over monitoring of hantavirus passengers who could soon return home
White House officials have been pushing for aggressive monitoring at home for those who return from the quarantine facility, but has retreated from initial proposals. Negotiations are ongoing with sta...
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
RFK Jr. wanted a health overhaul led by outsiders. Now some are gone, raising concerns from some MAHA allies about his influence. — Some officials argue leaders, like Wiles, are committed to MAHA & changes are to reduce "unnecessary noise" With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social & @ddiamond.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
RFK Jr. promised a health overhaul led by outsiders. Now many are gone.
Trump officials have increasingly swapped out RFK Jr.’s handpicked deputies for people with more traditional experience, seeking to tamp down on health agencies’ controversies ahead of the midterms.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
A plea to Joe Rogan. An appeal to Trump: How Republicans came to embrace psychedelics Veterans and high-ranking officials, like RFK Jr., have pushed the issue. Policy proposals had been sketched out months before Trump sought to elevate the issue www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
How Republicans came to embrace psychedelic drugs
After decades of backing a “war on drugs,” the GOP has warmed to psychedelics for mental health treatment as high-profile backers and veterans tout the drugs.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Casey Means blamed senators for blocking her nomination, calling it an "act of aggression" against MAHA. Saphier has been openly critical of some of Kennedy's moves on vaccines and Tylenol announcement. @laurenweberhp.bsky.social @ddiamond.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/laur...
x.com
Lauren Weber on X: "Trump pulled Casey Means's embattled nomination for surgeon general. Means told us it came down to "three disgruntled senators" and doesn't represent MAHA's momentum. New pick Nicole Saphier has criticized RFK Jr.'s moves w/ @rachel_roubein @ddiamond https://t.co/FiBizYF8zc" / X
Trump pulled Casey Means's embattled nomination for surgeon general. Means told us it came down to "three disgruntled senators" and doesn't represent MAHA's momentum. New pick Nicole Saphier has criticized RFK Jr.'s moves w/ @rachel_roubein @ddiamond https://t.co/FiBizYF8zc
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Lauren Weber @laurenweberhp.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Trump pulled Casey Means's nomination for surgeon general Means said it came down to "three disgruntled senators" & doesn't represent MAHA's momentum New pick Nicole Saphier has criticized RFK Jr.'s moves w @rachelroubein.bsky.social @ddiamond.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Trump drops embattled surgeon general pick Casey Means, announces new nominee
Nicole Saphier, Trump’s third pick for the role, is a radiologist and longtime Fox News contributor. Means’s nomination stalled as some Republicans questioned her credentials and stance on vaccination...
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Lauren Weber @laurenweberhp.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Top GOP senators Bill Cassidy and John Barrasso, both physicians, pressed RFK Jr. on vaccines amid his controversial moves. After the hearing, Cassidy told reporters the secretary’s remarks on immunizations were “illuminating.” Updated w/ @rachelroubein.bsky.social below @washingtonpost.com
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
KitKat, Gatorade or granola bars? Pushed by RFK Jr., what’s banned under new food stamp rules has been mixed, leading to maze of new restrictions. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
KitKat, Gatorade or granola bars? What’s banned under new SNAP rules is mixed.
Many GOP states are enacting soda and candy bans for food stamp purchases amid MAHA’s healthy food efforts. Some retailers and SNAP users find the new rules complicated.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
RFK Jr. begins a seven hearing blitz on Capitol Hill this morning. Here’s what we’re watching with updates throughout the day. With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Four things to watch as RFK Jr. defends his health agenda on the Hill
Vaccines and turmoil at the agencies under his leadership are expected to be hot topics.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
FDA weighs lifting peptide restrictions amid wellness craze and push from RFK Jr. The agency had previously restricted some peptides due to safety concerns. With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Amid wellness craze, FDA weighs lifting peptide restrictions
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a self-professed “big fan” of peptides. They have grown in popularity for wellness and antiaging, but many remain untested.
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Lauren Weber @laurenweberhp.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Despite President Trump saying Sunday “we have a lot of great candidates for that” when asked about Casey Means’s stalled surgeon general nomination, the White House reiterated its support for her tonight. w/ @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
White House reaffirms support for surgeon general pick after Trump remarks
After President Trump said Sunday that “we have a lot of great candidates” when asked about Casey Means’s nomination, the White House reiterated its support for her.
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
The White House is delaying its pick of a new CDC director as they continue to interview candidates. Jay Bhattacharya will continue to oversee the agency on an interim basis. @lenasun.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social with a little help from me
washingtonpost.com
White House delays CDC pick as officials search for permanent director
The responsibilities of leading the agency will remain with Jay Bhattacharya, the head of the National Institutes of Health, who has been serving as acting CDC director since last month
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Lauren Weber @laurenweberhp.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
MAHA’s political power tested as Casey Means's nomination stalls w/ @rachelroubein.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
MAHA’s political power tested as surgeon general pick stalls
Casey Means faces pushback from some Republicans over her refusal to forcefully recommend vaccines.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
The White House faces complicated political dynamics as it searches for a CDC director. About a half dozen are under consideration, including Mississippi's health director, a former KY governor & a cardiologist. With @lenasun.bsky.social & @ddiamond.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/lena...
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
NEW: White House faces fast-approaching deadline to name CDC director. Here are three ppl being considered. w/ @ddiamond.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
White House navigates vaccine politics, midterm risks in CDC director search
The Trump administration faces complicated political dynamics as it seeks someone to helm the key public health agency suffering a prolonged leadership vacuum.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
News: Some members of a key federal vaccine panel had been seeking to potentially stop recommending mRNA covid-19 shots. That plan is no longer moving forward. With @lenasun.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/lena...
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
SCOOP: A key federal vaccine panel has abandoned an attack on covid-19 mRNA vaccines — a shift that comes as some GOP warn that any more changes to vaccine policy could damage midterm prospects. Me + @rachelroubein.bsky.com www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
RFK Jr.’s vaccine advisers drop proposal to revisit covid-19 shot
Some members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel have publicly questioned the safety and manufacturing of the shots, including raising a debunked theory that DNA contaminants in the vaccines are harmf...
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Ahead of the midterms, RFK Jr. is messaging on food & drug pricing, and downplaying vaccines, as some Republicans warn vaccines could be a liability. This comes as influential MAHA leaders want to spend big for GOP. Tony Lyons wants to raise $100M. w/ @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
Why RFK Jr. is suddenly talking less about vaccines
Health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on tour to tout his MAHA food initiatives and drug pricing over vaccines, an issue GOP pollsters see as a liability.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Trump's order to promote a widely used weedkiller sparked swift & fierce backlash from some MAHA supporters With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.com
Trump order to promote weedkiller sparks fury in MAHA movement
Allies of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are frustrated that the Trump administration has embraced chemicals that they say harm human health.
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Carolyn Johnson @carolynyjohnson.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
FDA refuses to review Moderna’s application for first mRNA flu vaccine www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/... @rachelroubein.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
FDA won’t review Moderna application for first mRNA-based flu vaccine
The decision, which shocked company officials, comes as the FDA says it will take a stricter approach to federal vaccine approvals.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
We are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of two-thirds of our Washington Post health team. Editors, please hire these wonderful journalists.
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
We had devastating cuts to @washingtonpost. Our health team of 14 lost 9 reporters yesterday despite it being listed as part of the Post’s new focus. But I still have my job. Along w/a core team, we are still dedicated to covering public health, holding the powerful to account.
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Paige Winfield Cunningham @paigecunningham.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
I’m stunned and heartbroken. I’ve been laid off, along with so many dear colleagues. Making my way to The Post nine years ago felt like a dream come true.
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Washington Post Guild @postguild.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
It takes all of us to make The Washington Post. Every section works together to create this authoritative, entertaining, worldwide news report. So, Jeff Bezos, #SaveThePost.
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Lauren Weber @laurenweberhp.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
"While children in California, which does not allow for nonmedical vaccine exemptions, are vaccinated against measles at 96 percent, there is not a single county in Idaho, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah or Wisconsin whose kindergarten rates meet herd immunity protection."
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
“Bobby has asked for the following changes,” top Kennedy aide emailed HHS officials. Email reveals his previously undisclosed role in seeking vaccine policy changes in a highly unusual way, per experts/former/current officials. W/ @lenasun.bsky.social @laurenweberhp.bsky.social wapo.st/48YSPC1
wapo.st
How RFK Jr. upended the public health system
Interviews with almost 100 people reveal how Kennedy, as health secretary, has reshaped the vaccine and broader public health infrastructure in less than a year.
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Lena Sun @lenasun.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
BREAKING: US. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors, per sources familiar. HHS consulted w chief science officer and top FDA official. Me and @rachel_roubein 1/4 www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
U.S. plans to stop recommending most childhood vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
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Fenit Nirappil @fenitn.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
BREAKING: The U.S. is preparing to stop recommending most childhood vaccines and defer to doctors instead. The plan, which is not finalized, marks a fundamental shift in the U.S. vaccine strategy, @lenasun.bsky.social & @rachelroubein.bsky.social report. Gift link: wapo.st/4aXfzn5
wapo.st
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
More from our story on FDA: —Officials have held meetings at the WH this week to discuss turmoil at agency —Prasad’s vaccine email wasn’t cleared with HHS or RFK Jr. with @ddiamond.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/ddia...
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Trump health officials thought they’d tamped down on the turmoil at the FDA. But in the last week, the turnover & public concern over the direction of the agency has only grown. Our latest w/ @ddiamond.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/ddia...
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
The top drug regulator abruptly resigned. Staff complaints piled up. Outside experts warned FDA was in trouble. That was a month ago, prompting urgent meetings. Leaders soon claimed problems were fixed. Then it all happened again in the past week. On FDA chaos w @rachelroubein.bsky.social
washingtonpost.com
FDA instability, alarm over agency’s direction escalate after top regulator exits
As leadership churn continues, FDA’s unpredictability rattles companies relying on stable regulation.
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Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
RICK PAZDUR is now planning to resign at the end of the year — three weeks after taking the job as FDA's top drug regulator. Big shake-up after a year of turbulence at the agency. Story w @rachelroubein.bsky.social. (And credit to Stat's @lizzylawrence.bsky.social, who beat us out the door.)
washingtonpost.com
Top FDA drug regulator plans to depart weeks into job
Richard Pazdur had clashed with Trump officials on the legality and pace of their initiatives. He could still withdraw his resignation, but it is unlikely, one person said.
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Rachel Roubein @rachelroubein.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
The FDA's top vaccine regulator laid out a stricter approach for federal vaccine approvals in an internal email. More on the changes and what this could mean with @ddiamond.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/ddia...
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