Cornell Law professor Michael C. Dorf discusses the FDA’s new limited approval of reformulated COVID-19 vaccines under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which restricts access mainly to vulnerable populations and requires off-label prescriptions for others. Professor Dorf argues that this policy reflects RFK Jr.’s selective and anti-establishment brand of libertarianism that distrusts scientific expertise, ultimately resulting in dangerous public health outcomes by prioritizing unproven treatments like Ivermectin over evidence-based vaccines.

Elena J. Voss, associate general counsel at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and NYU Law professor Samuel Estreicher, dissect an opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel that squarely answers in the negative the question whether the Emergency Use Authorization status of COVID-19 vaccines precludes public or private entities from mandating those vaccines. Ms. Voss and Professor Estreicher point out that while the OLC opinion is neither binding nor authoritative, it is well-reasoned and indicative of the Biden administration’s view on this topic and can provide some assurance to employers who wish to implement a vaccine mandate.

Cornell Law professor Sherry F. Colb explains why listening to people is a better way to persuade them to change their position on an issue than calling them out for inconsistency. Professor Colb navigates a hypothetical conversation to demonstrate how thoughtful attention and humility can be more convincing than arguing or attacking.

In light of recent news that Pfizer and Moderna have apparently created safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19, Cornell law professor Michael C. Dorf considers whether the government can mandate vaccination for people who lack a valid medical reason not to get vaccinated. Dorf briefly addresses issues of federalism and religious objections to vaccination and then addresses the question whether mandatory vaccination might be inconsistent with a right to abortion.