On Monday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a controversial decision to remove all 17 members from a scientific advisory committee that guides the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine usage. He intends to appoint his own selections to fill these positions. This shakeup drew immediate criticism from major physicians and public health organizations who viewed the move as a significant disruption. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which typically operates free from partisan influences, was composed entirely of individuals appointed during President Biden’s administration.
Before taking on his current role, Kennedy was a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. He has not disclosed who will replace the current members but announced that the new committee would convene in Atlanta in two weeks. Kennedy justified the dismissal in an opinion piece, asserting that a complete overhaul was necessary to restore public confidence in vaccine science.
Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot, the now-former chair of the committee from Vanderbilt University, declined to comment on the development. However, panel member Noel Brewer from the University of North Carolina reported that committee members received a termination notice via email with no given reason.
Brewer, who joined ACIP last summer and focuses on my research on vaccination behaviors, emphasized that the panel’s recommendations have long been considered the authoritative guide for healthcare providers and insurers. However, Kennedy’s independent decision to alter COVID-19 vaccination guidelines without consulting ACIP has already raised concerns among the medical community.
Kennedy claims that the previous committee members held too many conflicts of interest, despite existing regulations requiring transparency about potential conflicts. Dr. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives and former CDC director, criticized Kennedy’s initiative as jeopardizing public safety by potentially hindering vaccine accessibility.
In a statement, Frieden emphasized the danger of politicizing ACIP, warning that it could erode public trust in vaccine science and empower conspiracy theories over established facts. Similarly, Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association denounced the mass removal as a “coup” that undermines democratic principles and threatens national health.
The unexpected move diverges from Kennedy’s assurances during his confirmation, which raises doubt about the impartiality of future committee appointees. Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, expressed concern that Kennedy’s action undermines trust in the ACIP, which has previously played a crucial role in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a physician who had reservations about Kennedy’s nomination, voiced concern that the new ACIP might comprise individuals who lack vaccine expertise. Cassidy communicated with Kennedy after the announcement and intends to ensure that the new committee will comprise knowledgeable members.
Since Kennedy assumed office, ACIP has faced instability, including a postponed meeting initially scheduled for February. This upheaval has caused uncertainty around the continuity and credibility of the committee’s vaccine guidance. As Kennedy’s decision continues to spark debate, the official ACIP webpage listing current members was taken down soon after the announcement.