RFK Jr. & CDC Panel: Destabilizing Actions
- NEW YORK—Seventeen former members of a federal vaccine advisory committee are raising alarms about Health Secretary Robert F.
- Last week, Kennedy initiated a sweeping change by dismissing the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which guides national vaccine policy.
- Just two days later, Kennedy appointed eight new members to the panel, including individuals who have publicly criticized COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic-era restrictions, as well as someone affiliated...
Former vaccine advisors are sounding the alarm! Health Secretary Kennedy’s actions are under scrutiny after a major shakeup of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. Experts are raising concerns that these “destabilizing decisions” will undermine U.S. immunization policy—putting public health at risk. Kennedy dismissed the entire panel and replaced them with critics of COVID-19 vaccines, sparking worry about recommendations for flu, HPV, and other vital vaccines. The ousted members fear the changes will impact the ability to make informed vaccine guidance. for a deeper dive into this evolving story, see News Directory 3. Discover what’s next concerning this contentious issue.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Advisory shakeup Draws Fire From Ousted Experts
Updated June 17, 2025
NEW YORK—Seventeen former members of a federal vaccine advisory committee are raising alarms about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent overhaul of the panel. In an essay published Monday, the experts decried what they called “destabilizing decisions” that could undermine U.S. immunization policy and increase the risk of preventable diseases.
Last week, Kennedy initiated a sweeping change by dismissing the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which guides national vaccine policy. He also removed Dr. Melinda Wharton, a longtime CDC official who coordinated the committee’s activities.
Just two days later, Kennedy appointed eight new members to the panel, including individuals who have publicly criticized COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic-era restrictions, as well as someone affiliated with a group known for spreading vaccine misinformation. the former advisors published their concerns in the Journal of the American Medical Association, emphasizing the potential dangers to public health.
“We are deeply concerned that these destabilizing decisions, made without clear rationale, may roll back the achievements of U.S. immunization policy, impact people’s access to lifesaving vaccines, and ultimately put U.S. families at risk of hazardous and preventable illnesses,” the panelists wrote.
The new committee is scheduled to convene next week, with expected votes on recommendations for flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV, and meningococcal vaccines, according to a federal notice.
The ousted experts also expressed concern that the removal of Wharton and cuts to CDC immunization staff will hinder the new advisors’ ability to quickly grasp complex issues and make informed decisions about vaccine recommendations. They stated that the “termination of all members and its leadership in a single action undermines the committee’s capacity to operate effectively and efficiently.”
The Department of Health and Human Services did not directly address the JAMA commentary but referred to Kennedy’s previous statements regarding the committee. Kennedy, who was a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement before assuming his current role, has accused the ACIP of being overly influenced by vaccine manufacturers and of automatically approving vaccines.
The ACIP, established in 1964, advises the CDC director on the use of FDA-approved vaccines. The CDC typically adopts these recommendations, which are widely followed by physicians and shape vaccination programs nationwide.While ACIP members are required to disclose past collaborations with vaccine companies and recuse themselves from relevant votes, Kennedy has deemed these safeguards inadequate.
What’s next
The revamped ACIP faces immediate pressure to address critical vaccination questions amid ongoing public health concerns. The panel’s upcoming decisions regarding vaccine recommendations will be closely watched by the medical community and the public, as the role of vaccine policy continues to be debated.