World · Malaysia Bureau
US to establish vaccine research centre amid measles surge
The Trump administration will launch a new research facility to investigate rare vaccine side effects, as the United States grapples with its worst measles outbreak in over three decades.
LSN Malaysia ·
Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr announced plans for the establishment of a dedicated vaccine research centre, signalling a shift in focus toward studying uncommon adverse reactions to immunisations.
The initiative comes as health authorities report a significant spike in measles cases across the country, marking the most severe outbreak since the late 1980s. Officials have attributed the resurgence partly to declining vaccination rates in certain communities.
The new centre is expected to conduct comprehensive studies into rare side effects associated with vaccines, examining both historical data and prospective research. Kennedy Jr indicated the facility would operate with the aim of enhancing vaccine safety protocols and public confidence in immunisation programmes.
Health officials acknowledged the dual challenge of addressing the current measles crisis while simultaneously investigating vaccine safety concerns. The announcement reflects broader efforts to balance disease prevention with rigorous examination of immunisation risks, particularly as measles continues spreading across multiple states.
Details regarding the research centre's timeline, budget allocation and specific focus areas are expected to be released in coming weeks.