Full Committee Replaced in Days
RFK Jr. CDC vaccine advisory overhaul began this week as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The decision came with claims of “conflicts of interest” among previous members.
Only two days later, Kennedy announced eight new appointees to the influential panel.
Who Are the New Appointees?
The new members include several high-profile critics of the government’s Covid-19 vaccine response:
- Dr. Robert Malone: Known for early work on mRNA but a vocal opponent of Covid-19 mRNA vaccines.
- Dr. Martin Kulldorff: Co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration advocating herd immunity.
- Dr. James Pagano: Evidence-based medicine specialist in emergency medicine.
- Concerns about mRNA vaccinations and cardiac risks were raised by Dr. Retsef Levi, a professor at MIT.
- Former head of neuroscience at the NIH, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln.
- Pediatrician and FDA vaccination advisor Dr. Cody Meissner.
- Dr. Vicky Pebsworth: Catholic nurse leader with personal skepticism of childhood immunizations.
- Dr. Michael Ross: OB/GYN and biotech executive with prior CDC advisory experience.
What Is ACIP and Why It Matters
ACIP reviews vaccines and immunizations for safety and effectiveness. Its guidance influences insurance coverage, school-entry requirements, and doctors’ recommendations.
Kennedy said the new panel will demand stronger evidence before issuing vaccine guidance and will also review the current immunization schedule.
Pushback from Medical Community
The American Medical Association (AMA) condemned the move, calling it “dangerous” during a time of rising measles outbreaks and declining routine vaccinations.
Dr. Paul Offit, former ACIP member, called it a “giant step backwards,” warning that vaccine recommendations may now face political interference.
Wall Street and Public Health Fallout
Analysts flagged concern over the inclusion of vaccine critics. Stocks tied to vaccine makers dipped after the announcement.
Analyst Evan Seigerman noted that ACIP’s role affects insurer decisions, raising concern about future vaccine access.
Kennedy’s Defense
Kennedy insists none of the new members are “ideological anti-vaxxers.” He claims the overhaul restores trust in science, demanding independent review over “rubber stamp” practices.
What’s Next?
The new panel meets June 25. Topics on the agenda include Covid-19 and HPV vaccine guidance.
Experts remain divided. Supporters see reform. Critics fear vaccine confidence could unravel.
Source: CNN
