"A Misstep that Threatens Trust" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disbands CDC's vaccine advisory panel
Kennedy dismisses entire team of vaccine specialists from advisory role
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, has stirred a hornet's nest with his recent decision to disband the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the CDC. Kennedy is currently in the process of reconstituting the committee, as announced by the U.S. Department of Health.
Kennedy, who has been a vocal vaccine skeptic, argues that the ACIP is marred by conflicts of interest and has never turned down a vaccine. He states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds the authority over vaccine approval. The ACIP, on the other hand, advises the CDC on which population groups could benefit most from already approved vaccines and the ideal timing for these vaccinations.
This move, announced in June 2025, has led to a wave of criticism from medical and public health communities. Many view it as a power grab, questioning the motives behind the decision to dismiss an entire panel of experts, potentially replacing them with less experienced or less independent voices.
Former FDA chief scientist Jesse Goodman described the dismissals as a "tragedy." "This is a highly professional group of scientists, doctors, and specialists. Political interference weakens trust rather than strengthening it," he stated.
Kennedy, who has been questioning the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for many years, often contradicts scientific evidence. His critics argue he is funded by pharmaceutical companies, a claim Kennedy denies. ACIP members, nonetheless, are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest.
The decision resulted in a slight dip in shares of vaccine manufacturers Moderna and BioNTech, while Pfizer remained relatively stable.
Lastly, it's important to note that Kennedy's dismissal of the ACIP has raised concerns about the future credibility and effectiveness of U.S. vaccine policy. The public may perceive the process as politicized or lacking independent scientific review, potentially eroding trust in the CDC and its vaccine recommendations.
- Vaccination
- USA
[1] American Public Health Association. (2025). "Coup or critical change? Reaction to Kennedy's dismissal of ACIP." [Online] Available: [https://www.apha.org/news-and-media/press-releases/press-releases/2025/06/25/coup-or-critical-change-reaction-to-kennedy-s-dismissal-of-acip]
[2] Kennedy, R.F. (2025). "Restoring Trust in Vaccine Policy." [Online] Available: [https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2025/06/25/restoring-trust-in-vaccine-policy]
[3] Infectious Disease Society of America. (2025). "IDSA Statement on the Dismissal of ACIP Members." [Online] Available: [https://www.idsociety.org/ pos_statements/ida-statement-on-the-dismissal-of-acip-members]
[4] American College of Physicians. (2025). "Statement on the Dismissal of ACIP Members." [Online] Available: [https://www.acponline.org/ media/acp-newsroom/statements-on-timely-health-policy-issues/statements-on-582850]
- The disbanding of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the CDC by Robert F. Kennedy, the U.S. Health Secretary, has sparked debate within the medical-conditions and health-and-wellness communities, with some viewing it as a potential threat to science-based vaccine policy in the USA.
- Critics of the decision to disband the ACIP argue that this action could shift the focus of vaccine policy from science to politics and general-news, possibly affecting the credibility and effectiveness of community policy in the health field.
- The dismissal of ACIP members has also raised concerns within the medical and public health communities, with organizations such as the American Public Health Association, the Infectious Disease Society of America, and the American College of Physicians issuing statements expressing their concerns about the potential impact on public trust and vaccine policy in the USA.
