Vaccine maker stocks decline as Trump plans to appoint RFK Jr. to health department

Stocks of vaccine makers, including Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, fell sharply on Thursday after reports that President-elect Donald Trump plans to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy is known for his skepticism about vaccines and has promoted debunked theories linking vaccines to autism. Moderna's stock has dropped over 60% this year, falling below $40 after peaking at $166 in the summer. While Kennedy has stated he does not oppose safe vaccines, he has made controversial claims about COVID-19 and has expressed intentions to address public health issues.