Federal Work Group Calls for Sweeping Changes to Track Covid Vaccine Harms

Report proposes new diagnostic category, guidelines, and research centers to study long-term effects of Covid vaccines and illness

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A federal work group is calling for sweeping changes to how the medical establishment tracks and treats injuries from Covid vaccines, according to a confidential report obtained by The New York Times. The report, drafted for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), proposes creating a diagnostic category specifically for Covid vaccine injuries, new diagnostic guidelines, and a network of research centers to study long-term harms from the vaccines and the illness itself.

Why it matters

The work group's proposals come as the ACIP has abandoned the idea of holding separate votes on whether to rescind recommendations for certain Covid vaccines, reflecting a delicate balancing act within the Trump administration over how much emphasis to place on vaccine policy ahead of the midterm elections. The report also highlights an intensifying focus within federal agencies on harms from vaccines, food, and medicines.

The details

The work group's report cites a 2023 Rasmussen Reports survey that found nearly one out of four Americans reported knowing someone who died from a Covid vaccine. The group proposes creating a diagnostic category called 'post-acute-Covid-19-vaccination syndrome' (PACVS) and developing formal diagnostic guidelines for clinicians to recognize and manage patients with long-term symptoms after Covid vaccination or illness. The group also plans to suggest that the CDC collaborate with other agencies to set up a research network to study the syndromes and develop potential tests and treatments.

  • The 'Killer Jab?' survey was conducted in 2023.
  • The ACIP is scheduled to consider the work group's recommendations at a meeting on Wednesday.

The players

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

A federal panel that advises the government on vaccine policy.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary who overhauled the vaccine committee in June 2025 and has been sharply critical of Covid vaccines.

Retsef Levi

The chairman of the ACIP, an applied mathematician at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Robert Malone

The vice chairman of the ACIP, a biochemist who has been sharply critical of Covid vaccines.

Stefanie Spear

The deputy chief of staff for the Department of Health and Human Services and a longtime adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule before Wednesday on whether the vaccine panel's members are qualified to meet and make vaccine recommendations for Americans.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.