RFK Jr Dismisses All Members of U.S. Vaccine Advisory Committee

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members from the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, claiming that conflicts of interest undermine trust in vaccinations. His decision has sparked criticism from health experts and concerns regarding future vaccine safety recommendations.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines, has taken the drastic step of dismissing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Announcing his decision through an editorial in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy expressed that such conflicts of interest within the committee compromises public trust in vaccinations.

Kennedy asserted his goal was to "ensure the American people receive the safest vaccines possible," even though his skepticism has faced backlash from numerous health professionals. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he assured that he would not eliminate existing panel members.

The sudden dismissal occurred on Monday, with Kennedy referring to the members as "retiring." Notably, eight of the 17 panelists were appointed in the waning days of President Biden’s term in January 2025. The majority of these members consist of practicing doctors and experts associated with leading medical institutions.

Kennedy raised concerns that maintaining the committee members would have allowed former President Trump to fill a majority of the positions by 2028. He characterized ACIP as plagued by ongoing conflicts of interest, declaring it effectively a "rubber stamp" for vaccine approvals.

In his Wall Street Journal editorial, he highlighted historic conflicts of interest and mentioned that most ACIP members have received significant funding from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccines. This has led to skeptics questioning the integrity of vaccination recommendations.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and physician, noted that Kennedy had previously assured him that ACIP would remain unchanged. He subsequently expressed his apprehension on social media about filling the committee with individuals skeptical of vaccines.

While ACIP members are obligated to disclose conflicts of interest, Kennedy's editorial suggests that the problem lies not in malfeasance but in the broader system, describing it as fostering a "pro-industry orthodoxy."

Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, criticized the mass dismissal, stating it disrupts a transparent process vital to public health, especially amid declining vaccination rates and ongoing outbreaks of diseases like measles.

Kennedy has not yet announced who will replace the dismissed members, but the ACIP has an upcoming meeting scheduled for June 25, which will focus on crucial vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, flu, and several other illnesses. The implications of this move remain to be seen as public health experts continue to voice concerns over vaccine integrity and safety.