NIH Board Chair Jack Leslie Rebukes Kennedy Over Vaccine Clinic
The chair of the NIH Clinical Center Research Hospital board argued that the new clinic risks the institution's reputation, despite adding no new funding or space.
By Leila Santos ·
Jack Leslie, chair of the board overseeing the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Research Hospital, delivered a pointed rebuke of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a recent regularly scheduled meeting. Leslie cautioned that the secretary's activities regarding vaccine injuries could tarnish the standing of a hospital often referred to as a house of hope.
The hospital holds that nickname because it serves patients with rare conditions and those who have exhausted other treatment options. Leslie spent about six minutes speaking, stepping away from the standard agenda after opening with friendly introductions. He argued that remaining silent on the matter would represent a failure of the advisory board's duty.
Leslie’s criticism centered on a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kennedy’s signature vaccine injury clinic. The event featured a panel of individuals who stated they were hurt by vaccines. These individuals sat behind placards reading vaccine injured while speaking with Kennedy and other high-ranking Trump administration officials.
Leslie clarified that his objection was not to scientific inquiry. He stated he has no concerns about studying potential vaccine injuries, noting that serious reactions are rare but real. He added that people who believe they have been injured should be taken seriously.
Jonathan Green, the hospital’s CEO, sat next to Leslie during the meeting and supported the board chair's account. Green explained that the NIH has researched vaccine safety and efficacy for decades. He described the new clinic as one more individual protocol at the hospital, noting it comes with no additional funding and no extra clinic space.
The remarks highlight a distinction between the high-profile launch and the clinic’s practical footing. Leslie framed the issue as a reputational risk for an institution serving vulnerable patients. Green presented the addition as a modest expansion of research the NIH already conducts.
The board will continue to oversee the hospital's operations following this session. The clinic will operate under its existing protocol status without new financial resources or dedicated physical space.
Source: Ars Technica
