In a recent viral video, presidential candidate RFK Jr. repeated the debunked claim that NIH scientists receive “kickbacks” from COVID-19 vaccines. Widely circulated clips from the interview claim that the scientists receive $150,000 annually from the sale of mRNA vaccines.
Accusations of collusion or bribery between pharmaceutical companies and government health officials may damage trust in public health, increasing the risk of the claim. Debunking messaging may explain that NIH scientists are compensated to conduct research and develop technology, as researchers at any other institution would be. There is no evidence of any unscrupulous dealings or so-called “kickbacks.”
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