RFK Jr. CDC Panel: Vaccine Critics & Allies Named
The recent announcement of the vaccine safety panel members has sparked intense debate. This panel, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., includes individuals who have publicly questioned vaccine safety and efficacy. Appointees such as Dr. Robert Malone, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, and Dr. Cody Meissner have raised concerns about vaccine mandates, masking, and the risk-benefit ratios of mRNA vaccines, creating considerable discussion. These selections, made after an extended search, have drawn both praise and criticism, with some questioning the inclusion of figures known for promoting unproven treatments. News Directory 3 is following this story closely. Will their voices shift the narrative surrounding vaccine skepticism and public health? Discover what’s next as the panel begins its work.
Vaccine Safety Panel: Controversial Picks Spark Debate
A new vaccine safety panel’s composition is under scrutiny,as some appointees have publicly questioned vaccine recommendations and vaccine safety. The picks, announced recently, include close associates of the secretary overseeing the panel.
Robert Malone, MD
Dr. Robert Malone, an early mRNA vaccine researcher, faced accusations of spreading misinformation about mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Malone has questioned the risk/benefit ratio of mRNA vaccines. He also expressed skepticism about measles vaccines amid a recent Texas outbreak that killed two children and promoted unproven treatments, similar to views held by Kennedy.
Martin Kulldorff, PhD
Dr. Martin Kulldorff, an epidemiologist and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which criticized COVID-19 restrictions, is also on the panel. He previously criticized the Centers for Disease control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to pause the johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine over safety concerns. Kulldorff claimed he was terminated from his role with the CDC’s outside vaccine advisers and Harvard University for his views.
cody Meissner, MD
Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatrics professor and former member of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates for children. He co-authored an opinion piece against masking children during the pandemic.
Vicky Pebsworth, PhD, RN
Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director of the National Association of Catholic Nurses and former FDA vaccines panel member, has ties to the National Vaccine Information center. At a 2020 FDA meeting,she voiced concerns about mandating experimental vaccines for adults or children,citing her experience as a “mother of a child injured by his 15-month well-baby shots in 1998.”
Retsef Levi, PhD
MIT professor Dr.Retsef Levi, praised by Kennedy, has collaborated with public health agencies on vaccine safety evaluations. Levi called for more detailed data from COVID-19 vaccine trials, suggesting changes in Pfizer’s shot production might have caused side effects. He co-authored a paper with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo recommending against mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for young men, which drew criticism for potentially inflating risks.
Michael A. Ross, MD
Dr. Michael A. Ross, described as an obstetrics and gynecology professor, is linked to Havencrest Capital Management and previously worked for Cadila Pharmaceutical. His name was not found in directories for George Washington University or Virginia Commonwealth University.
James Pagano,MD
Dr. James Pagano, described as a “strong advocate for evidence-based medicine,” has published fiction about hospital medicine. Medical Board of California records indicate Pagano is retired.
Joseph Hibbeln, MD
Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, who retired from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2020, brings expertise in immune-related outcomes and public health strategies. His research focused on nutritional intake of fatty acids like omega-3.
Search for New Members
The panel selections followed a months-long search. Jeffrey Klausner, a professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine, said he was approached for suggestions. Klausner criticized the selection of malone, citing his promotion of conspiracy theories and unproven COVID-19 treatments. Kennedy defended his picks as “highly credentialed” experts committed to evidence-based medicine. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it aimed for balanced depiction on the panel.