U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaces all 17 members with new appointees, including individuals known for vaccine skepticism
On June 9, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the dismissal of all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The committee, established in 1964, provides guidance on vaccine use in the United States.
Kennedy stated that the decision aimed to restore public trust in vaccine policy and eliminate perceived conflicts of interest within the committee.
He emphasized the need for unbiased scientific evaluation in public health recommendations.
Subsequently, on June 11, Kennedy appointed eight new members to the ACIP. The new appointees include:
- Dr. Robert Malone, a physician known for his critical views on COVID-19 vaccines and association with the anti-vaccine movement.
- Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for an alternative approach to pandemic management.
- Dr. Retsef Levi, an operations management expert who has questioned the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines.
- Vicky Pebsworth, a nurse and former board member of the National Vaccine Information Center, an organization known for disseminating vaccine misinformation.
The remaining appointees are Dr. Cody Meissner, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, Dr. James Pagano, and Dr. Michael Ross.
Some of these individuals have prior experience with federal health agencies, while others have been associated with groups critical of vaccines.
The restructuring of the ACIP has elicited responses from various medical and public health organizations.
The American Medical Association expressed concern over the potential impact on public confidence in vaccines.
Critics have highlighted that several new members lack the traditional expertise expected for ACIP roles and have histories of promoting vaccine skepticism.
The next ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2025, where the newly appointed members are expected to convene and discuss upcoming vaccine recommendations.
The committee, established in 1964, provides guidance on vaccine use in the United States.
Kennedy stated that the decision aimed to restore public trust in vaccine policy and eliminate perceived conflicts of interest within the committee.
He emphasized the need for unbiased scientific evaluation in public health recommendations.
Subsequently, on June 11, Kennedy appointed eight new members to the ACIP. The new appointees include:
- Dr. Robert Malone, a physician known for his critical views on COVID-19 vaccines and association with the anti-vaccine movement.
- Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for an alternative approach to pandemic management.
- Dr. Retsef Levi, an operations management expert who has questioned the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines.
- Vicky Pebsworth, a nurse and former board member of the National Vaccine Information Center, an organization known for disseminating vaccine misinformation.
The remaining appointees are Dr. Cody Meissner, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, Dr. James Pagano, and Dr. Michael Ross.
Some of these individuals have prior experience with federal health agencies, while others have been associated with groups critical of vaccines.
The restructuring of the ACIP has elicited responses from various medical and public health organizations.
The American Medical Association expressed concern over the potential impact on public confidence in vaccines.
Critics have highlighted that several new members lack the traditional expertise expected for ACIP roles and have histories of promoting vaccine skepticism.
The next ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2025, where the newly appointed members are expected to convene and discuss upcoming vaccine recommendations.
