Cassidy: Delay CDC Vaccine Panel – RFK Jr. Purge
- Bill Cassidy, R-La., is urging a delay in this week's meeting of the vaccine advisory panel selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
- Cassidy voiced his concerns on X, stating that many appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) lack notable experience in microbiology, epidemiology, or immunology.He specifically noted...
- Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, had previously secured promises from Kennedy not to alter existing vaccine approval processes before voting to advance...
Senator Bill Cassidy demands a halt to the impending CDC vaccine advisory panel meeting, citing substantial concerns about the appointees’ qualifications and potential biases. This pivotal decision directly challenges the new panel assembled by Robert F. Kennedy jr., sparking a fierce debate over vaccine recommendations and public trust in the process. Cassidy, highlighting a perceived lack of experience in crucial scientific areas and a potential bias against cutting-edge mRNA vaccines, calls for a delay until the panel is restructured with more expertise, suggesting the current composition could undermine public confidence.This is a developing story, and news Directory 3 is following it closely as this impacts the ongoing debate about vaccine policy, with the future ACIP meeting hanging in the balance. Discover what’s next as the HHS responds to Cassidy’s request.
Cassidy Calls for Delay of RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Advisory Panel Meeting
Updated june 24, 2025
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., is urging a delay in this week’s meeting of the vaccine advisory panel selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Cassidy cited a lack of sufficient experience and potential bias among the appointees regarding certain vaccines and the importance of vaccine recommendations.
Cassidy voiced his concerns on X, stating that many appointees to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) lack notable experience in microbiology, epidemiology, or immunology.He specifically noted a potential bias against new technologies like mRNA vaccines. The senator suggested canceling the meeting until the panel is ”fully staffed with more robust and balanced representation.”
Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, had previously secured promises from Kennedy not to alter existing vaccine approval processes before voting to advance his nomination. However, Kennedy recently dismissed the 17 members of the ACIP, claiming their ties to the pharmaceutical industry had damaged public trust.He then announced a smaller committee, including individuals with anti-vaccine statements and limited vaccine experience.
The panel is expected to convene Wednesday to discuss and vote on recommendations for vaccines, including those for COVID-19 and RSV.
Cassidy emphasized the need for a larger panel with more direct expertise, noting the absence of a Senate-confirmed CDC director to approve the recommendations. “Otherwise, ACIP’s recommendations could be viewed with skepticism, which will work against the success of this administration’s efforts,” he said.
What’s next
The future of the ACIP meeting remains uncertain as HHS has yet to respond to Cassidy’s request. The senator’s stance underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine policy and the importance of public trust in government recommendations regarding vaccine recommendations.