Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary, has removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which guides U.S. vaccine recommendations. In a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Kennedy said the committee had become a “rubber stamp” for vaccines and called the removal necessary to “re-establish public confidence.”
The ACIP, composed of independent health experts, advises the CDC on vaccines for children and adults. Its recommendations influence federal insurance coverage and liability protections. The committee was due to meet June 25 to vote on updates for COVID-19 and other vaccines.
A CDC email confirmed the terminations: “This email serves as formal notice of your immediate termination.” One CDC official reportedly called the move “horrifying.”
Kennedy argued the Biden administration’s late-term appointments were designed to prevent his team from implementing changes until 2028. The shake-up follows the resignation of Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, who opposed Kennedy’s order to change COVID-19 vaccine guidance.
It remains unclear how replacements will be selected. Outside health organizations criticized the bypassing of the committee’s traditional process.
Source(s)
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CBS News – MBFC Rating
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