As head of HHS, Kennedy would lead a sprawling federal department that encompasses more than 100 programs supporting medicine, public health, and social services.

The news prompted a sell-off across the industry. In the US, shares in Pfizer and Moderna sank more than 5% in early trading, while UK-listed firms AstraZeneca and GSK dropped 2% or more. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the pick had “spooked” shareholders, despite questions about how the new administration might pursue its threats.

Shares of prominent vaccine makers plunged Thursday after President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Pfizer's stock dropped 4.3 percent while Moderna's fell 3.1 percent and Novavax saw a 2.8 percent dip in its stock Friday morning.

Bavarian Nordic, a maker of the mpox vaccine, on Friday said the incoming Trump administration may present opportunities even after the announcement that noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been tapped to head the U.

Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, has promised sweeping changes to food and drug regulation and government-funded scientific research.

By Samuel Indyk and Ludwig Burger (Reuters) -Shares in global vaccine makers fell sharply on Friday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously spread misinformation on vaccines,

Shares in European vaccine-makers fell in early trade on Friday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he had selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously spread misinformation on vaccines,