Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removes entire CDC vaccine panel, prompting backlash from health experts
United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, replacing them to restore what he claims is public trust. Health leaders and experts have widely criticised the move as politically motivated and dangerous.
UNITED STATES: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on 9 June, the removal of all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee.
The committee, formally known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), guides national immunisation policy.
The unprecedented move drew sharp criticism from leading health officials, former CDC directors, and public health organisations, who warned it could destabilise public confidence in vaccine safety and science.
“Today we are prioritising the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,” Kennedy said in a statement.
“The public must know that unbiased science — evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest — guides the recommendations of our health agencies.”
According to an HHS press release, all 17 ousted ACIP members were appointed by the Biden administration, with 13 named in 2024 alone. Kennedy stated that these appointments left the incoming Trump administration unable to appoint a majority until 2028.
Kennedy’s decision stands in contrast to his earlier assurances. During his Senate confirmation process, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, said Kennedy had committed not to alter ACIP.
“If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes,” Cassidy stated on the Senate floor in February 2025.
In a post on X following the announcement, Cassidy voiced concern that Kennedy might now replace ACIP with individuals lacking sufficient scientific background.
“There is a fear the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion,” Cassidy wrote, adding that he had spoken directly with Kennedy and would monitor further developments.
Of course, now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion. I’ve just spoken with Secretary Kennedy, and I’ll continue to talk with him to ensure this is not the case.https://t.co/iXjTDieAwY
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) June 9, 2025
Dr Paul Offit, a prominent vaccine expert and member of the FDA’s advisory panel, criticised the decision as “extremely dangerous.”
Speaking to ABC News, Offit said, “The votes by this committee over the last 25 years have caused children to suffer less and die less. ACIP should be given awards, not fired.”
The American Medical Association also condemned the move. Its president, Dr Bruce A. Scott, said in a statement that removing the committee “undermines trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives.”
Dr Mandy Cohen, former CDC director under the Biden administration, echoed concerns, saying the action “spreads confusion and casts doubt on transparent public health processes.” She added that families attempting to navigate vaccine decisions would now face greater uncertainty.
Dr Richard Besser, former acting CDC director under the Obama administration, suggested Kennedy’s move confirmed his intent to advance a personal anti-vaccine agenda. “This should erase any remaining doubt,” Besser said.
Kennedy has taken other unorthodox steps in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, he announced via a video on X that COVID-19 vaccines would be removed from the CDC’s immunisation schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. Last week, a CDC official who co-led part of ACIP resigned in response.
Kennedy defended his latest decision in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, alleging that ACIP was “plagued by conflicts of interest” and had never advised against any vaccine — even those later withdrawn for safety concerns.
However, historical records indicate that ACIP has on occasion recommended more limited use of certain vaccines than allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CDC maintains a public archive of conflict of interest disclosures from ACIP members since 2000, a transparency measure aimed at public accountability.
Kennedy concluded his statement by asserting the committee had served as a “rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas,” and that a complete overhaul was required. He said the new committee members would focus on evidence-based medicine and public health.
Public health leaders argue that with vaccination rates declining and outbreaks such as measles resurging, consistency and trust in immunisation guidance are more critical than ever.
Critics have warned that Kennedy’s restructuring could heighten vaccine hesitancy and jeopardise disease prevention efforts nationwide.
