Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ends COVID‑19 Emergency Use Authorizations and Liability Protections

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. COVID‑19 EUA termination liability protections HHS vaccine regulation

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signed determinations terminating the emergency‑use authorizations (EUAs) that were first issued in 2020 for COVID‑19 drugs, biologics and medical devices. The declarations for drugs and biologics will end 12 months after the notice, while the device declarations will end 180 days after the notice. The termination dates are set for June 29 2027 for vaccines and drugs and December 26 2026 for devices.

Kennedy said the circumstances that justified the emergency powers no longer exist and emphasized that “Americans deserve a regulatory system that is transparent, accountable, and rooted in the rule of law.” He added that ending the EUAs is intended to reinforce public confidence that emergency authorities are temporary and targeted.

In a related political exchange, Kennedy defended his record against Senator Bill Cassidy’s claim that he had broken promises made during his confirmation. Kennedy asserted he had honored every commitment and rejected the senator’s accusations as false.