In New York, a significant reshuffling occurred within the advisory committee responsible for vaccine policy in the United States. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the appointment of eight new advisors after previously dismissing a 17-member panel. The replacement was a matter of controversy, drawing criticism from numerous medical and public health institutions concerned that Kennedy might opt for advisors aligned with his more skeptical view on vaccinations.
The new appointees include various figures such as Vicky Pebsworth, who is associated with the National Vaccine Information Center, often criticized as a source of vaccine misinformation. Another notable appointee is Dr. Robert Malone, an mRNA vaccine technology researcher who gained attention for voicing skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and has propagated unsubstantiated theories about vaccine risks. Dr. Malone has pledged to maintain objectivity in his new role.
Also appointed is Dr. Martin Kulldorff, an epidemiologist noted for his stance against pandemic lockdowns, and Dr. Cody Meissner, who has a history of serving on the advisory panel and other vaccine-related committees. Despite these appointments, the changes have been met with skepticism by experts like Abram Wagner from the University of Michigan, who expressed concerns over the expertise level of the new committee compared to its predecessors.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), established in 1964, provides crucial recommendations to the CDC on vaccine use approved by the FDA. These recommendations significantly influence national vaccination programs. Among the new additions, Dr. Kulldorff and Meissner bring notable experience and publicly stated viewpoints that contrast with the more traditional stances on vaccine safety and mandates.
Other members announced include Dr. James Hibbeln, Retsef Levi, Dr. James Pagano, and Dr. Michael Ross, bringing diverse expertise from nutrition to business operations and healthcare logistics. In response to prior panel opinions, Kennedy has shown a willingness to disagree with or challenge existing ACIP recommendations, particularly on COVID-19 vaccine distributions among different demographics.
Initially confirmed in February, Kennedy had promised to uphold the vaccination schedule, though soon after, he initiated reviews of vaccines, including those preventing childhood diseases like measles and polio. Recent deviations from ACIP’s advisories, such as on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, have highlighted Kennedy’s independent path.
As of now, the full composition of the advisory committee remains uncertain, with a forthcoming meeting anticipated to cover a range of vaccine-related decisions, including those on flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV, and meningococcal vaccinations. Further updates on additional appointments to the ACIP are yet to be disclosed.