Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, has sparked significant controversy by completely overhauling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). He dismissed all 17 previous members, citing concerns about conflicts of interest and describing the panel as a mere “rubber stamp” for vaccine approvals. This dramatic move was swiftly followed by the announcement of eight new appointees, several of whom have publicly voiced skepticism—or outright criticism—of vaccines, particularly those developed for COVID-19.
The newly appointed members possess impressive credentials in medicine, public health, epidemiology, and statistics. However, their backgrounds show a notable shift in expertise compared to previous committees; there appears to be less emphasis on immunology, virology, and vaccinology. While Kennedy Jr. has insisted the new members are not “anti-vaxxers,” some have previously expressed views that contradict mainstream scientific consensus on vaccine safety and efficacy.
One notable appointment is Dr. Robert Malone, an early contributor to mRNA vaccine technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Malone disseminated misinformation, claiming that the public had been “hypnotized” into accepting mainstream views on vaccination. Another, Retsef Levi, has co-authored non-peer-reviewed research with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, suggesting that healthy individuals have died as a result of COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated against COVID-19 lockdowns, is among the new appointees.
The Great Barrington Declaration, published in 2020, proposed achieving herd immunity through natural infection, a strategy widely criticized by global health organizations as unethical. The influence of these new members on Kennedy Jr.’s views is evident; Stat News reports that at least four of the eight are mentioned in the dedication of Kennedy Jr.’s book, “The Real Anthony Fauci,” a work that challenges the former health official’s actions and motives during the pandemic.
This significant reshaping of the ACIP raises serious questions about the future direction of vaccine policy in the United States. The committee’s upcoming meeting, scheduled for June 25-27, will address recommendations for several vaccines, including HPV and COVID-19, making this a pivotal moment for public health. Whether Kennedy Jr. plans to further expand the ACIP membership remains to be seen, but the current appointments have undoubtedly ignited a heated debate about the balance between scientific expertise and differing perspectives on vaccine policy.
