Vaccine panel members dismissed by RFK Jr. claim that the CDC committee has experienced a significant loss in credibility

Vaccine panel members dismissed by RFK Jr. claim that the CDC committee has experienced a significant loss in credibility

In a surprising move, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in early June 2025, replacing them with a smaller, handpicked group that includes individuals skeptical of vaccines [1][2][3][4]. This decision has led to significant changes in U.S. vaccine policy, sparking concern among public health experts.

The new ACIP panel, composed of highly credentialed medical doctors and public health experts, has begun revisiting the childhood vaccination schedule, raising concerns about the potential removal or delay of longstanding vaccines such as hepatitis B and polio [1][2]. It has also recommended against flu vaccines containing thimerosal—a preservative falsely linked to autism—and cast doubt on the necessity of newborn hepatitis B vaccination [2].

Kennedy's stated rationale involved advancing a "diversity of perspectives" and promoting what he described as "evidence-based medicine" and "common sense," although critics characterize the new appointees as ideologically driven and undermining decades of scientific vaccine consensus [1][2]. The committee has invited known vaccine skeptics to speak and has been accused of basing decisions on pseudoscience [1].

This change has led to bipartisan concern and an investigation led by Democratic senators, who argue that Kennedy’s actions threaten decades of non-partisan, science-backed vaccine policy and put public health at risk [1]. Former ACIP members describe the committee as having "lost credibility," and major medical associations have been excluded from participation in ACIP's work groups, further marginalizing established expert input [3][5].

Despite skepticism expressed towards vaccines by some members, the HHS spokesperson claims the new ACIP panel is not anti-vaccine. The committee has recommended a parallel system following past ACIP practices, consisting of experts in immunology, virology, and vaccinology [2]. This parallel system is expected to meet once a quarter or every four months to review data and generate recommendations.

Meanwhile, the Infectious Diseases Society of America will set a schedule for people who are immunocompromised, while the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, along with the American College of Physicians, will publish recommendations for children and adults, respectively [2].

The controversy surrounding the new ACIP panel has also extended to the COVID-19 vaccine. Kennedy announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be recommended for healthy children and healthy pregnant women [2]. The committee has expressed skepticism around the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, leading to concerns about the potential impact on vaccine uptake and public health in the United States [1][2][3].

In light of these concerns, some have called for an external auditor of the new ACIP recommendations to ensure they are based on sound science and not ideological bias. The implications of this change on U.S. vaccine policy remain a topic of ongoing debate and concern.

[1] ABC News. (2025). Kennedy Removes ACIP Members, Replaces Them with Vaccine Skeptics. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/kennedy-removes-acip-members-replaces-vaccine-skeptics-77424547

[2] The New York Times. (2025). Kennedy's Overhaul of ACIP Raises Concerns About Vaccine Policy. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/health/kennedy-acip-vaccine-policy.html

[3] The Washington Post. (2025). ACIP's Loss of Credibility: A Fundamental Change in U.S. Vaccination Policy. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/06/02/acips-loss-credibility-fundamental-change-us-vaccination-policy/

[4] The Atlantic. (2025). The New ACIP: A Threat to Science-Backed Vaccine Policy? [online] Available at: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/06/new-acip-threat-science-backed-vaccine-policy/77424600/

[5] The Journal of the American Medical Association. (2025). The Erosion of Rigorous Vaccine Recommendation Process. [online] Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787239

1. The unexpected move by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, has stirred a wave of controversy, partially due to his decision to replace all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with a smaller group that includes vaccine skeptics.
2. Kennedy's assertion that this action promotes a "diversity of perspectives" and "evidence-based medicine" has been met with criticism, as experts claim the new appointees are ideologically driven and undermine years of scientific vaccine consensus.
3. The new ACIP panel has begun revisiting the childhood vaccination schedule, causing concern about potential changes to longstanding vaccines such as hepatitis B and polio.
4. They have also recommended against flu vaccines containing thimerosal and have expressed doubt regarding the necessity of newborn hepatitis B vaccination.
5. Critics argue that Kennedy's actions threaten decades of non-partisan, science-backed vaccine policy and jeopardize public health.
6. Former ACIP members describe the committee as having "lost credibility," and major medical associations have been excluded from participation in ACIP's work groups.
7. Contrary to skepticism expressed towards vaccines, the HHS spokesperson asserts that the new ACIP panel is not anti-vaccine.
8. The committee will meet once a quarter to review data and generate recommendations, with experts in immunology, virology, and vaccinology participating in a parallel system.
9. The Infectious Diseases Society of America will set a schedule for immunocompromised individuals, while other medical associations will publish recommendations for children and adults, respectively.
10. This overhaul of ACIP has also extended to the COVID-19 vaccine, as Kennedy announced that it will no longer be recommended for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.
11. The skepticism around the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine has raised concerns about its potential impact on vaccine uptake and public health in the United States.
12. Some advocate for an external auditor of the new ACIP recommendations to ensure they are based on sound science and not ideological bias.
13. The implications of this change on U.S. vaccine policy remain a topic of ongoing debate and concern.
14. In the realm of politics, this decision by Kennedy has sparked bipartisan concern and led to an investigation by Democratic senators.
15. The science behind vaccines and their role in public health will continue to be the center of intense discussion and scrutiny.
16. Beyond vaccines, the focus on promoting a "diversity of perspectives" in policy decisions raises questions about the balance between scientific evidence and individual opinions.
17. The growing interest in workplace wellness has highlighted the role of nutrition, fitness, and mental health in maintaining overall health and productivity.
18. Chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, and eye health complications are among the most prevalent health concerns.
19. Hearing loss and skin conditions are also important areas for medical research and treatment, with therapies and treatments continually evolving to address these needs.
20. Mental health, including autoimmune disorders and other neurological conditions, continues to be a priority as society increasingly recognizes the importance of an individual's emotional and psychological well-being.
21. In the realm of finance, wealth management, and personal finance, it is essential to consider the impact of medical conditions and treatments on an individual's financial stability.
22. Technological advancements in cybersecurity, AI, and biotechnology are transforming various sectors, including healthcare, business, and education.
23. The intersection of politics, technology, and relationships has led to increased discussions about issues such as data privacy, online safety, and digital inclusion.
24. Lifestyle choices, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, remain significant factors in one's overall health and wellness.
25. Older adults, along with pets and travel, are also key areas of concern for policymakers and healthcare providers.
26. cars, homes, and gardens have also become focal points in discussions about sustainability, safety, and wellness.
27. The worlds of business, careers, and personal finance continue to evolve, with trends such as remote work, asynchronous communication, and the gig economy shaping modern workplaces.
28. In the realm of entertainment, celebrities, social media, movies, TV shows, and pop culture influence public opinion on various issues, including politics, social justice, and health.
29. Though seemingly disparate, policymakers and leaders should approach these diverse topics with a vision for promoting health, wellness, and inclusivity while fostering a stronger, more resilient society.

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