U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of a key vaccine advisory committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday. He said he would appoint new members within two weeks.
This panel, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), plays a major role in guiding vaccine policies. It was formed during the Biden administration and is usually considered nonpartisan.
Kennedy Calls for “Clean Sweep”
In an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal, Kennedy defended his decision. He wrote that the current members had “conflicts of interest” and claimed a complete overhaul was needed to restore public trust in vaccines.
“A clean sweep is necessary,” he wrote, adding that the shake-up would help rebuild confidence in the nation’s vaccine programs.
Medical Experts Raise Alarm
Major health organizations quickly criticized the decision. They warned that removing all members at once could damage public trust and make vaccine hesitancy worse.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, from the American Public Health Association, described the move as “a coup.” He said, “We will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.”
Dr. Bruce Scott of the American Medical Association also raised concerns. He warned that Kennedy’s decision could reduce vaccination rates and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Previous Delays and Sudden Changes
Since taking office, Kennedy’s leadership has already caused disruptions. In February, a scheduled ACIP meeting was suddenly canceled. The CDC also made updates to its COVID-19 guidance without first consulting the advisory panel.
Following Monday’s announcement, the CDC took down the web page that listed the committee members.
