With a bold move that has ignited debates on vaccination trust, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which provides key recommendations for immunizations. In his op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy cited persistent conflicts of interest as detrimental to public confidence in vaccinations, stating that his primary goal is to assure Americans of receiving the safest vaccines available.
Kennedy's decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals who have questioned his long-held skepticism regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. He attempted to quell concerns during his Senate confirmation hearing, emphasizing that he did not intend to take vaccines away from the public. On Monday, he reaffirmed his position by "retiring" the ACIP members, who included numerous prominent doctors affiliated with leading university hospitals. Notably, eight of these members had been appointed in the closing days of President Biden's administration in January 2025.
In his editorial, Kennedy expressed frustration at the committee's prior operations, suggesting that it had merely operated as a rubber stamp for pharmaceutical companies. He pointed to historical examples of conflict that he believes still resonate today, alleging that many ACIP members have received significant funding from vaccine manufacturers, which he believes corrupts their ability to serve the public interest.
Kennedy's sweeping dismissals contradict commitments made during his confirmation process, which assured maintaining ACIP's composition. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, has publicly voiced concerns over the potential for new appointees with minimal understanding of vaccine science.
Kennedy articulated that the issue may not stem from corrupt intentions within ACIP but from a pervasive pro-industry bias that shapes the decision-making process. Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that the dismissal of the committee undermines an established, transparent methodology that has historically protected lives. He pointed out the alarming context of declining child vaccination rates and ongoing measles outbreaks, indicating that this restructuring may exacerbate existing public health crises.
As of now, Kennedy has not disclosed who will fill the vacancies on the committee, which is set to convene on June 25 for critical discussions and decisions regarding vaccinations for Covid-19, flu, and other serious health issues. The scrutiny of Kennedy’s approach to vaccine advisory policy reflects broader concerns about public health governance amidst a climate of mistrust.
Kennedy's decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals who have questioned his long-held skepticism regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. He attempted to quell concerns during his Senate confirmation hearing, emphasizing that he did not intend to take vaccines away from the public. On Monday, he reaffirmed his position by "retiring" the ACIP members, who included numerous prominent doctors affiliated with leading university hospitals. Notably, eight of these members had been appointed in the closing days of President Biden's administration in January 2025.
In his editorial, Kennedy expressed frustration at the committee's prior operations, suggesting that it had merely operated as a rubber stamp for pharmaceutical companies. He pointed to historical examples of conflict that he believes still resonate today, alleging that many ACIP members have received significant funding from vaccine manufacturers, which he believes corrupts their ability to serve the public interest.
Kennedy's sweeping dismissals contradict commitments made during his confirmation process, which assured maintaining ACIP's composition. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, has publicly voiced concerns over the potential for new appointees with minimal understanding of vaccine science.
Kennedy articulated that the issue may not stem from corrupt intentions within ACIP but from a pervasive pro-industry bias that shapes the decision-making process. Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that the dismissal of the committee undermines an established, transparent methodology that has historically protected lives. He pointed out the alarming context of declining child vaccination rates and ongoing measles outbreaks, indicating that this restructuring may exacerbate existing public health crises.
As of now, Kennedy has not disclosed who will fill the vacancies on the committee, which is set to convene on June 25 for critical discussions and decisions regarding vaccinations for Covid-19, flu, and other serious health issues. The scrutiny of Kennedy’s approach to vaccine advisory policy reflects broader concerns about public health governance amidst a climate of mistrust.
