RFK Jr. Panel: Childhood Vaccine Concerns Raised
- A newly formed federal vaccine panel, chosen by Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr., convened Wednesday and promptly announced plans to reassess both childhood and adult vaccination schedules.
- The initial meeting featured numerous anti-vaccine arguments from panel members.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly criticized the panel even before the meeting began, declaring its work "no longer a credible process." The AAP, which has provided...
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly formed federal vaccine panel has announced plans to re-evaluate childhood and adult vaccination schedules, instantly sparking controversy. The panel, featuring members who have voiced anti-vaccine stances, raises concerns among public health officials about the potential for the panel to push an anti-vaccine agenda. The American Academy of Pediatrics has already declared the process “no longer credible” and refused to participate. This panel, which includes several new appointees, has drawn criticism. The original Advisory Committee on immunization Practices (ACIP), which has provided rigorous scientific reviews, was dismissed in totality on June 9. News Directory 3 continues to monitor this evolving situation.Discover what’s next as these re-evaluations continue and public health policy potentially shifts.
Vaccine Panel Re-Evaluation Sparks Controversy Under Kennedy Jr.
Updated June 26, 2025
A newly formed federal vaccine panel, chosen by Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr., convened Wednesday and promptly announced plans to reassess both childhood and adult vaccination schedules. The move has ignited controversy and raised concerns among public health officials.
The initial meeting featured numerous anti-vaccine arguments from panel members. This reinforced fears that the panel, once highly respected, is now compromised and will advance Kennedy’s long-held anti-vaccine stance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly criticized the panel even before the meeting began, declaring its work “no longer a credible process.” The AAP, which has provided a liaison to the panel for decades, declined to do so this time.
Susan Kressly, AAP president, said in a social media video, “We won’t lend our name or our expertise to a system that is being politicized at the expense of children’s health.”
For over 60 years, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has offered rigorous scientific reviews and recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding vaccine use in the U.S., following Food and Drug Governance (FDA) approval.The CDC typically adopts ACIP’s guidance, which then requires insurance coverage for recommended vaccines.
However,on June 9,Kennedy dismissed all 17 ACIP members and replaced them with eight new appointees. Some of thes individuals hold anti-vaccine views or controversial public health opinions, while others lack relevant expertise.
Michael Ross, an obstetrics and gynecology physician and one of the new appointees, withdrew from the committee after a required financial holdings review, it was revealed Tuesday.
What’s next
The panel’s re-evaluation of vaccine schedules is expected to continue, with potential implications for public health policy and vaccine confidence.