A heated exchange broke out on Fox News’ The Five Friday afternoon as co-host Jessica Tarlov accused her colleague Jesse Watters of failing to do his homework when he pressed her on claims that Americans are being denied access to Covid-19 vaccines under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), all Republicans who voted to confirm [Kennedy], are saying we are denying people vaccines,” Tarlov said, pointing to growing frustration even among Republicans who backed Kennedy’s nomination.
Watters, skeptical of the charge, interjected: “What vaccines has he denied someone?”
“Covid-19,” Tarlov shot back.
“To who? Who can’t get a Covid-19 shot?” Watters pressed.
Tarlov pointed to conservative radio host Erick Erickson’s wife, who she claimed had been blocked from receiving the vaccine under the new policies. “Why don’t you ever prepare?!” she exclaimed, raising her voice at Watters.
The back-and-forth centered on a late August announcement from the Food and Drug Administration authorizing updated Covid-19 vaccines for the fall season — but with far stricter eligibility rules than in previous years.
The new limits mark the most restrictive federal vaccine policy since shots were first rolled out in 2020.
Jessica Tarlov: “All Republicans that voted to confirm [RFK Jr.] who are saying we are denying people vaccines.”
Jesse Watters: “What vaccines has he denied someone?”
Jessica Tarlov: “Covid-19.”
Jesse Watters: “To who? Who can’t get a Covid-19 shot?”
Jessica Tarlov: “To… pic.twitter.com/G9FVAZLYxD
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) September 6, 2025
Watters expressed disbelief that such restrictions could prevent ordinary Americans from accessing shots. “Wait a second. You mean you can’t walk into your doctor’s office and get a Covid-19 shot?” he asked.
“No you can’t!” Tarlov insisted. “Why don’t you ever prepare?! Why don’t you prepare? Kathy Hochul had to do an emergency…” she added, referencing New York’s Democratic governor.
At that point, former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany stepped in. “Is this true?” she asked, signaling doubt about Tarlov’s claim.
“No, it’s not true,” McEnany said flatly.
“It is true, Kayleigh. Stop,” Tarlov fired back, doubling down.
The confrontation highlights a larger controversy surrounding Kennedy’s leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services. Long known as a critic of vaccines before his appointment, Kennedy has faced bipartisan questions about his department’s handling of Covid-19 vaccine distribution.
Several Senate Republicans who supported his confirmation have now voiced concerns that the administration’s restrictive approach is leaving vulnerable Americans without access to updated protection ahead of the fall and winter virus season.
For conservatives, the exchange underscores a broader frustration: that the Biden-era deference to bureaucratic caution has persisted under Kennedy, despite President Trump’s pledge to cut red tape and expand medical choice.
Watters’ incredulity — asking whether Americans could still “walk into your doctor’s office and get a Covid-19 shot” — reflected the widespread view that Washington has no business limiting vaccine access for those who want it.
Tarlov’s eruption, accusing Watters of failing to prepare, may have reflected Democratic anxiety that the restrictions are already unpopular. If Americans believe, rightly or wrongly, that the federal government is blocking vaccines, the political fallout could be significant.
For now, the policy remains in place, and the debate over vaccine availability — once dominated by questions of mandates and overreach — has shifted into new territory: whether the government is now doing too little, too late.
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