Health Secretary RFK Jr. Appoints Anti-Vaccine Ally to CDC Safety Office

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite promising during his Senate confirmation hearings to support established vaccine science and not undermine vaccination programs, has taken several controversial actions that challenge the scientific consensus on vaccines. Since assuming office, Kennedy has initiated investigations into vaccine schedules, canceled NIH studies aimed at improving vaccine trust, and raised doubts about vaccine mandates. He has appointed Lyn Redwood, a longtime anti-vaccine advocate and former president of Kennedy's anti-vaccine organization Children's Health Defense, to a key role in the CDC's Immunization Safety Office, which monitors vaccine safety. Redwood's appointment is significant as she is known for promoting discredited claims linking thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, to autism, despite extensive scientific evidence refuting such links. Kennedy also replaced all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with new members, including those with anti-vaccine views, further signaling a shift in federal vaccine policy oversight. These developments have sparked concern among public health experts that such appointments and policy shifts could undermine public confidence in vaccine safety.