RFK Jr. Fires Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel

Critics warn of chaos and distrust as Kennedy defends “clean sweep” to rebuild public trust.

RFK Jr. (via X)

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel of infectious-disease doctors, pediatricians, and epidemiologists that recommends when and how often Americans should receive vaccines. (WSJ)

A Full Reset Under Trump’s HHS

Kennedy announced the move in a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Monday, writing that he would conduct a “clean sweep” of Biden-era appointees, stating: “Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028.” (The Guardian)

ACIP’s Role in Public Vaccine Guidance

The ACIP has long been considered the CDC’s most influential vaccine advisory body. Its recommendations directly inform national immunization schedules. Kennedy, who has a history of controversial views on vaccines, defended the mass firing:

“Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda. The public must know that unbiased science – evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest – guides the recommendations of our health agencies.” (USA Today)

Pushback From Scientists and Lawmakers

Although ACIP members are vetted for potential conflicts and must step aside from any decisions where one exists, Kennedy insists the overhaul will remove a “rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas.” (WSJ)

However, former ACIP members strongly disagree. “It isn’t a rubber stamp,” said vaccine researcher Kathy Edwards. “All of these things are meticulously evaluated. (WSJ)

The decision drew swift backlash from public health leaders and lawmakers. “Unilaterally removing an entire panel of experts is reckless, shortsighted and severely harmful,” said Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. (WSJ)

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move “reckless, radical, and rooted in conspiracy, not science.” (WSJ)

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Dive Deeper on RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Panel Purge

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