Health Care

Kennedy allies advance bills dismantling vaccine requirements

“Medical Freedom” legislation is advancing in Republican-controlled states.
Vice President JD Vance, right, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., wave as they depart the inaugural Make America Healthy Again summit at the Waldorf Astoria, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Allies of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are pushing legislation in more than half a dozen states to dismantle vaccine requirements in schools and workplaces, claiming state-level action would have a more immediate impact on people’s daily lives than federal policy changes.

The Medical Freedom Act Coalition – an affiliation of more than a dozen groups whose members include the anti-vaccine group that Kennedy founded – is looking to build on the successful passage of a 2025 Idaho law that prohibits businesses and schools from requiring “medical interventions” – including vaccines, tests or treatments – as a condition of entry, employment or service.

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