RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory committee amid conflict concerns
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the removal of all 17 members of the ACIP, citing conflicts of interest.
- This decision was made amid criticisms regarding the previous administration's last-minute appointments to the committee.
- The complete reconstitution of the committee aims to restore public trust in vaccine science.
On June 9, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced a significant overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by retiring all 17 current members. This committee is crucial as it provides recommendations on vaccines that influence federal policies, such as insurance coverage and the Vaccines for Children Program. Kennedy's decision comes amidst his assertions that the committee is riddled with conflicts of interest and has been untrustworthy in guiding vaccine science. Kennedy's action follows claims that the previous administration, led by President Biden, appointed these members last-minute, essentially locking in a public health ideology that prevented the Trump administration from appointing new leaders until 2028. This unprecedented move to dismiss the sitting members is seen as a bid to restore public trust in vaccination and vaccine policy. Kennedy emphasized that the new committee members would prioritize public health and scientific evidence without being influenced by industry agendas. The immediate reaction from public health experts and medical organizations has been one of alarm and disappointment. Many experts have denounced Kennedy's assertion that the long-standing committee, known for its rigorous approach to vaccine recommendations, has failed in its duties. The decision has raised questions about the implications for public health in the United States, particularly as vaccination rates and public trust are at stake. Prior to the announcement, the committee was scheduled to convene from June 25 to 27, discussing vital vaccinations for diseases like Covid-19 and RSV. The abrupt changes suggest that the meeting will still go ahead, but now with an entirely new panel, potentially impacting the ongoing development of public health strategies. Critics fear that this swift replacement might compromise the integrity of vaccine recommendations and public health policy.