Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked considerable debate within the public health community. Following the removal of all 17 members from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Kennedy introduced eight new members who have been associated with vaccine skepticism . This strategic overhaul raises pertinent questions regarding transparency and the qualifications of these appointees, as critics argue that their prior affiliations may undermine the integrity of vaccination policies .
In dismissing all 17 members of an influential Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel on Monday, Mr. Kennedy cited what he said was a history of conflicts of interest that he claimed made those experts a “rubber stamp” on approving vaccines. But adding members who assisted in legal cases that were either against vaccine makers or that suggested widespread vaccine-caused harm raises questions about a different form of potential bias.
Mr. Kennedy said it created the appearance of a conflict.
After the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves vaccines based on whether the benefits of the shot outweigh the risks, Acip recommends which groups should be given the shots and when, which also determines insurance coverage of the shots.
Noel Brewer, a professor at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health who served on Acip for a year, called Kennedy's decision "norm-breaking".
"I was stunned, but not surprised," he told the BBC. "It was deeply disappointing and more than a bit upsetting."
Kennedy noted that if he did not remove the committee members, President Trump would not have been able to appoint a majority on the panel until 2028.
HHS for more than 27 years. "Mina began her career in immunization and infectious disease research at CDC and holds a B.S. in Microbiology, an MPH from Emory, and a Ph.D. in Evaluation. She brings unparalleled experience, strategic insight, and commitment to scientific excellence to the ACIP," she said.
The next ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25-27. The committee can only vote when a quorum is present, which is defined in its most recent policies and procedures as when "more than half of the voting members are present."
Concerns surrounding this shift stem from the pivotal role that ACIP plays in determining vaccination guidelines, insurance coverage for vaccines, and accessibility for low-income children . The American Medical Association has voiced apprehension over potential biases within the newly formed committee, which could lead to a downgrading of essential vaccinations. As public trust in vaccines is crucial for maintaining herd immunity and preventing outbreaks, it is imperative that these appointments undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they align with established scientific consensus.
Read more
Minnesota Democratic politician fatally shot in politically motivated assassination; another injured Liverpool agree to €136.3m Wirtz transfer from LeverkusenSara H
Also on site :