
FDA’s Peter Marks Clashes with RFK Jr. Over Vaccine Safety Database Access
Dr. Peter Marks, a prominent figure at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been at the center of a controversy involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team's access to a crucial vaccine safety database. Marks, who oversees the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, has confirmed that he blocked Kennedy's team from accessing the database, citing concerns over data misuse and privacy.
The dispute escalated when Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccine policies, claimed that the FDA was obstructing his efforts to investigate potential vaccine injuries. In response, Marks defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive health data and maintaining the integrity of scientific research.
Further complicating matters, recent reports indicate that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has cut funding to Marks' division, raising questions about the political motivations behind these financial decisions. This development has sparked a broader debate about the transparency and accountability of federal health agencies.
The clash between Marks and Kennedy highlights ongoing tensions between public health officials and vaccine skeptics, underscoring the challenges of balancing data privacy with public health transparency.