U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel, Sparks Controversy

On June 9, 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing alleged conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies. This unprecedented action has ignited a contentious debate over the future of U.S. vaccine policy and its potential implications for public health.

The ACIP, established in 1964, is a panel of independent medical and public health experts responsible for developing recommendations on vaccine use in the United States. Their guidance influences vaccination schedules and policies nationwide. Members are selected based on expertise in fields such as immunization practices, public health, and vaccine research. To maintain objectivity, members cannot have financial ties to vaccine manufacturers.

Kennedy's removal of the entire ACIP panel is unprecedented. He justified the action by alleging that the members had conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies, though specific evidence supporting this claim has not been publicly disclosed. In their place, Kennedy appointed new members, some of whom have previously expressed skepticism about vaccines.

Among the new appointees is Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and former professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Kulldorff co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020, which advocated for lifting COVID-19 restrictions on lower-risk groups to develop herd immunity through infection before vaccines became available. This declaration was widely criticized by public health officials. Additionally, Kulldorff has served as a paid expert witness in litigation against Merck's Gardasil vaccine, earning over $33,000 for his testimony. His involvement in such litigation may necessitate waivers and recusals under ACIP's conflict-of-interest rules.

Following the reconstitution of the ACIP, Kennedy announced the cessation of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, marking a significant departure from previous public health guidelines. This move has raised concerns among public health experts about potential increases in vaccine hesitancy and the resurgence of preventable diseases. Critics argue that these actions could undermine public trust in vaccines and politicize scientific decision-making.

Kennedy's actions have also drawn political scrutiny. Senator Bill Cassidy, who had previously supported Kennedy's appointment after securing assurances that existing vaccination programs would remain unchanged, expressed alarm at the new selections. Kennedy confirmed that he had promised Cassidy the opportunity to select a candidate for the ACIP, highlighting the political negotiations involved in these appointments.

Economically, the overhaul of the ACIP has impacted pharmaceutical companies. For instance, Moderna's shares declined by 2.3% amid concerns that the new advisory panel could affect the approval process for its RSV vaccine, mRESVIA. The uncertainty surrounding the panel's stance on mRNA-based vaccines has contributed to market skepticism.

This is the first time in the ACIP's history that all members have been dismissed simultaneously. Previous changes to the committee have been gradual, ensuring continuity and stability in vaccine policy recommendations. The current overhaul represents a significant shift in the federal approach to vaccine oversight.

In summary, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s dismissal of the ACIP members and the appointment of new, vaccine-skeptical individuals have introduced significant changes to U.S. vaccine policy. These actions have elicited a range of responses from public health experts, politicians, and the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the complex interplay between health policy, politics, and public trust.