US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr speaks during a Senate hearing in May. REUTERS
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all 17 members of the federal vaccine advisory committee. He shared this decision in a newspaper opinion article. The committee, known as ACIP, gives guidance to the government about vaccines.
Reason for the Dismissal
Kennedy said he made this move because of "conflicts of interest" among members. He claimed that some of them had ties to pharmaceutical companies. He believes this affects the public’s trust in vaccines. Kennedy said, “I want Americans to receive the safest vaccines possible.”
Who Were the Panel Members?
Most of the 17 people on the committee are doctors and vaccine experts. Many of them work at respected hospitals and universities. Eight of them were added in January 2025, right before President Biden left office.
Kennedy’s Statement on Vaccine Trust
Kennedy argued that people have lost trust in health agencies and drug companies. He said this trust broke down because of past decisions and financial connections. “The committee has just approved every vaccine that comes before it,” he wrote.
Concerns Over New Members
Some lawmakers and doctors are now worried. They fear Kennedy may replace the panel with people who doubt vaccines. Senator Bill Cassidy said Kennedy promised during his Senate confirmation that he would not change the committee. Cassidy, a doctor himself, posted online that he was surprised. “Now the concern is that he’ll pick people who don’t understand vaccines,” he wrote. He added that he had spoken to Kennedy and would keep discussing the matter with him.
What’s Next?
Kennedy hasn’t said who will take the place of the outgoing members. The next ACIP meeting is on June 25. At that meeting, the panel must vote on vaccine guidelines for COVID-19, flu, RSV, meningitis, and other diseases. It’s unclear if the new members will be in place by then.
Backlash From the Medical Community
Many health experts are upset about Kennedy’s decision. Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, said the move could lead to more illnesses. “This comes at a time when measles is spreading and fewer children are getting their shots,” he said. Dr. Scott believes Kennedy’s action will hurt public health.
ACIP’s Rules on Conflicts of Interest
Members of ACIP are required to report financial ties and step back from voting if they have a conflict. Kennedy said that even if they follow these rules, the system still favors the vaccine industry too much.
Looking Ahead
The public and medical experts are now watching to see who Kennedy will pick as replacements. Many fear that this move may weaken the country’s vaccine policy and create more confusion during a time when vaccine rates are falling.
