Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is ending emergency use declarations for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and medical devices. These declarations, initially issued in early 2020, provided liability protections to manufacturers and allowed for emergency authorizations based on a lower evidentiary standard. The declarations had been extended multiple times, most recently through 2029.Previous Health Secretary Xavier Becerra argued for continued protections, citing the ongoing risk of a future public health emergency. However, Kennedy disagreed, stating that circumstances no longer justify these emergency uses. He pointed to the transition of COVID-19 vaccines from emergency authorization to full approval for all age groups.Kennedy emphasized the importance of a transparent and accountable regulatory system rooted in the rule of law. He believes ending these declarations reinforces public confidence in the temporary nature of emergency authorities. To facilitate this termination, companies will have advance notice to withdraw products developed under the declarations.The Food and Drug Administration has determined that 12 months is sufficient notice for vaccines and drugs, with their declarations ending on June 29, 2027. Medical devices like COVID-19 tests will have their declarations terminated sooner, on December 26, 2026, after 180 days. The FDA is working with manufacturers to seek approval for continued use of their products, expecting them to generate supporting data. The Department of Health and Human Services plans to notify Congress of this development.