Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Monday, pledging to appoint new members to guide the CDC on vaccine use. The move drew criticism from prominent physicians and public health groups.
Kennedy, a former leading anti-vaccine advocate, has not yet named replacements but confirmed the committee will meet in two weeks in Atlanta. The current members were all appointed by President Biden, and Kennedy argued that removing them was necessary to restore public confidence in vaccine science.
Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot, the former ACIP chair, declined to comment, while member Noel Brewer expressed surprise at his termination. Brewer, a researcher on vaccination behaviors, noted that ACIP recommendations had long been seen as the standard for vaccination practices.
Kennedy cited conflicts of interest among current members as a reason for the dismissal. However, Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, criticized the move, saying it would undermine vaccine access and public trust.
Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association called it a “coup,” and Dr. Bruce A. Scott of the American Medical Association warned that the decision could lead to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor from Louisiana, voiced concerns over future committee members lacking vaccine expertise but pledged to continue discussions with Kennedy to ensure qualified appointments.
The committee’s website was taken down shortly after Kennedy’s announcement, following months of disruptions since his appointment.
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