On June 10, 2025, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a move that has ignited fierce debate. Announced in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Kennedy claimed the panel was “plagued with conflicts of interest” and acted as a “rubber stamp” for vaccine approvals, undermining public trust. The ACIP, composed of independent medical and public health experts, advises on vaccine schedules and insurance coverage, significantly influencing U.S. immunization policy.
Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, argued that replacing the panel with new members—currently under consideration—would restore confidence in vaccine science. However, public health experts, including former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, condemned the decision as “a grave mistake” that risks politicizing vaccine recommendations and eroding trust. Critics, like Dr. Richard Besser, called it damaging to providers relying on ACIP’s evidence-based guidance.
The move contradicts assurances Kennedy gave to Senator Bill Cassidy during his confirmation, promising to maintain the ACIP unchanged. Cassidy expressed concerns that the new panel might include members lacking expertise, stating he would continue discussions with Kennedy to ensure otherwise. The abrupt dismissal, with no immediate replacements named, raises questions about the upcoming June 25–27 ACIP meeting, where critical vaccine recommendations are scheduled.
Health organizations, including the American Medical Association, warned that the decision could exacerbate declining vaccination rates, potentially fueling outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles. Kennedy’s history of questioning vaccine safety has heightened fears of a shift toward anti-vaccine policies, despite his claim of prioritizing unbiased science. The public awaits details on the new panel’s composition and its impact on U.S. vaccine policy.
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