U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Monday, calling the move a step to rebuild public confidence in vaccines. The decision, outlined in Kennedy's Wall Street Journal op-ed, follows criticism that two-thirds of the panel had been appointed during the final year of the Biden administration.
The committee, which reviews vaccine data and sets recommendations for insurance coverage and government programs like Medicaid, holds significant influence over U.S. immunization policies. Its June 25–27 meeting will proceed as scheduled, though replacements for the ousted members remain unannounced, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The New York Times reported that Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has prioritized dismantling established immunization standards. Analysts warn that a restructured panel aligned with his views could weaken or eliminate recommendations for routine vaccinations, including those for children.
This unprecedented shakeup has sparked debate among public health experts, with some questioning its timing and potential to disrupt long-standing vaccine guidelines relied on by healthcare providers nationwide.
