RFK Jr Dismisses Entire Vaccine Committee, Citing Conflicts of Interest
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has dismissed all 17 members of the government’s vaccine advisory panel, citing longstanding conflicts of interest and a lack of public trust in immunization policies. The unexpected decision has drawn widespread criticism from medical professionals and lawmakers.
Kennedy made the announcement in an editorial published in the Wall Street Journal, arguing that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) had become “a rubber stamp for any vaccine.” He accused its members—many of whom are medical professionals tied to major universities—of being too closely connected to the pharmaceutical industry.
Eight of the current panel members were appointed earlier this year, during the final weeks of President Biden’s administration. Kennedy justified the mass removal by saying it would have taken years for President Trump to appoint a majority without this action.
Kennedy, a known vaccine sceptic, says he wants to restore public confidence and ensure vaccines are “as safe as possible.” However, the decision contradicts earlier assurances made during his Senate confirmation hearings. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and physician, said Kennedy had promised not to interfere with ACIP.
Cassidy reacted on X (formerly Twitter), warning that the panel could now be replaced by people with little knowledge of vaccines and a bias toward mistrust. He also stated he had spoken directly with Kennedy and intended to continue discussions.
ACIP members are legally required to disclose financial conflicts and must recuse themselves from decisions where such conflicts exist. Kennedy acknowledged that most members likely aim to serve the public interest but argued they are “immersed in a system of industry-aligned incentives” that distort objectivity.
The American Medical Association criticized the move. Its president, Dr. Bruce Scott, warned that dismantling the committee could worsen declining vaccination rates and spark a rise in preventable diseases amid ongoing health threats like measles outbreaks.
ACIP was scheduled to meet on June 25 to vote on vaccine guidelines for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other illnesses. Kennedy has not yet announced who will replace the dismissed members.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSd7F_kZeHg
