US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccines, has made headlines by sacking every member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel that provides official immunization recommendations for the government. In an editorial published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy criticized the committee for what he called "persistent conflicts of interest" that he believes have eroded public trust in vaccines.
Kennedy justified his bold move as a necessary step to "ensure the American people receive the safest vaccines possible," despite the backlash from medical professionals and health experts who have long challenged his views on vaccine safety and efficacy. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured the public that he would not dismantle the committee.
On Monday, he announced the "retirement" of all 17 panel members, many of whom are respected doctors affiliated with major medical centers. Notably, eight members were appointed during the final days of President Biden's administration in January 2025. Kennedy argued that removing the committee members prevents a future scenario where former President Trump could have appointed a majority of the panel by 2028.
Kennedy accused health authorities and pharmaceutical companies of contributing to a "crisis of public trust" surrounding vaccines, a situation he claims is often misattributed to misinformation or anti-science sentiments. He referenced historical instances from the 1990s and 2000s to underline his argument that conflicts of interest persist within the committee.
In contradiction to commitments made during his confirmation, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the mass removal, expressing concern over potential replacements who may lack expertise in vaccination. On social media platform X, he stated his intent to engage with Kennedy to ensure that the next panel maintains professional competency.
Kennedy acknowledged that ACIP members are required to disclose conflicts but emphasized that their alignment with industry interests could lead to a narrow pro-pharmaceutical perspective. This upheaval has drawn criticism from Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, who lamented the potential consequences of undermining a process integral to public health as vaccination rates decline and outbreaks of preventable diseases, like measles, arise.
As of now, Kennedy has not announced who will replace the dismissed members. The next ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25, where crucial vaccine recommendations are expected to be discussed, affecting guidance on COVID-19, flu shots, and other immunizations. The BBC has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services and ACIP chair Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot, but has yet to receive a response.
