Health Secretary RFK Jr. Faces Senate Probe Over CDC Vaccine Panel Overhaul

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked controversy by abruptly firing all members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing them with allies and vaccine skeptics, prompting bipartisan investigations and criticism from Democrats and medical organizations. Kennedy also plans to dismiss all 16 members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a key panel that guides preventive health services coverage, citing concerns about their "woke" perspectives. These moves have raised alarms among lawmakers, the American Medical Association, and healthcare leaders who warn that changes could reduce vaccine access and undermine evidence-based preventive care, potentially impacting insurance coverage for essential screenings and vaccinations. Democrats and healthcare advocates are demanding transparency regarding the vetting of new appointees and Kennedy's rationale, while Kennedy defends his actions as efforts to restore public trust and improve public health. Meanwhile, insurers and lawmakers question whether they will maintain coverage for vaccines and preventive services if panel recommendations shift. The turmoil reflects broader tensions over health policy direction under Kennedy's leadership, with significant implications for public confidence in vaccines and preventive health measures.