Kennedy Overhauls CDC Vaccine Panel Amid Backlash

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and appointed eight new members, many of whom are vocal critics of COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic policies, including Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Martin Kulldorff. The new panel has drawn criticism from medical and public health organizations, who fear it could lead to the rollback of longstanding vaccination recommendations. The overhaul follows the FDA's decision to limit COVID-19 vaccine availability to high-risk groups and the CDC's updated guidance, which no longer recommends the vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women unless approved by a doctor. Kennedy claims the shake-up is to restore public trust, but some Republicans were reportedly surprised by the reversal of his earlier assurances about panel stability. The changes have heightened partisan tensions, with Democratic lawmakers voicing concern and the Trump administration continuing efforts to cut public health funding. Critics argue the new panel lacks current vaccine expertise and may pursue a more skeptical vaccine agenda.