RFK Jr. Dismisses Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), announcing the decision in a Wall Street Journal op-ed and citing persistent conflicts of interest. Kennedy pledged to appoint new members who do not work for the vaccine industry to foster independent, evidence-based judgments. The dismissed members, mostly appointed during the Biden administration, were recognized medical experts. Major public health organizations, including the American Medical Association, strongly criticized the move, warning it undermines scientific rigor and public trust. Critics also accused Kennedy of misrepresenting a government report to justify his actions, while anti-vaccine groups welcomed the decision. The overhaul has sparked concerns about increased vaccine hesitancy and the future impartiality of U.S. vaccine policy.