Cassidy Challenges RFK Jr. on CDC Vaccine Meeting Delay
Sen.Cassidy demands a delay in teh federal vaccine meeting, citing serious concerns about the expertise and potential biases of the newly appointed members of the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The Louisiana senator expressed worries that several appointees lack the necessary experience in key areas like microbiology, epidemiology, and immunology, especially concerning mRNA vaccines. This comes after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced existing panel members, sparking criticism from medical associations. News Directory 3 reports on the key players and the implications of this controversy surrounding the highly anticipated vaccine meeting, scheduled for this week, and the impact of the recommendations. discover what’s next …
Cassidy Calls for Delay of federal Vaccine Meeting Amid Panel Concerns
updated June 24, 2025
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., is urging a delay in this week’s federal vaccine meeting. His call comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
cassidy posted on X Monday, suggesting the meeting be postponed until experts with more relevant experience in immunology and epidemiology are added to the panel.He expressed concern that many appointees lack significant experience studying microbiology, epidemiology, or immunology, particularly regarding mRNA vaccines. He also suggested some may harbor biases against these technologies.
Despite Cassidy’s request, a source familiar with the schedule confirmed the ACIP meeting will proceed as planned on Wednesday and Thursday.
Kennedy appointed eight individuals to replace the 17 previous panelists. Among the new appointees are Robert Malone, who has spread misinformation about mRNA vaccines, and Retsef Levi, who has advocated halting mRNA vaccinations.
Cassidy’s stance marks his strongest response to Kennedy’s actions. Kennedy had made vaccine-related commitments to secure Cassidy’s vote during his confirmation.
Medical associations have also voiced criticism of Kennedy’s reconstitution of ACIP, urging the reinstatement of the prior members.One letter stated that removing autonomous experts selected for their expertise would sow doubt and confusion among healthcare professionals and patients.
Kennedy, testifying before Congress tuesday, claimed the previous panel had “pervasive pharmaceutical conflicts.” While members’ conflicts of interest are publicly disclosed, reflecting their roles in vaccine clinical trials, similar disclosures for Kennedy’s appointees are not yet available on the CDC website.
ACIP provides guidance on vaccine use, reviewing data and weighing benefits against risks.their recommendations often inform insurance coverage decisions.while the CDC director typically approves ACIP guidelines, the agency currently lacks a confirmed director, leading to uncertainty about the approval process. Kennedy, as HHS secretary, could endorse the recommendations.
This week’s meeting includes discussions and votes on vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19. The agenda also features a discussion on thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative linked to debunked autism theories.
Thimerosal is no longer used in most vaccines,and studies have found no link between it and autism.
What’s next
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