RFK Jr. Removes Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel in Unprecedented Shake-Up

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a major body that advises the CDC on vaccine policy.

The abrupt decision, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in federal public health governance. In an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy argued that “a clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science.”

ACIP plays a critical role in evaluating vaccine data and issuing recommendations on usage, insurance coverage, and eligibility. Its members are independent experts appointed to ensure scientific integrity and safety in immunization policy.

The move is Kennedy’s latest in a series of controversial actions since taking office, including halting recommendations for routine COVID-19 vaccinations in healthy children and pregnant women. Critics warn that such decisions risk undermining trust in public health systems.

While HHS confirmed that ACIP’s upcoming June 25–27 meeting will proceed as planned, it remains unclear who will replace the ousted panelists. Sources suggest new members will be appointed before the meeting.

Kennedy, known for his skepticism of vaccine mandates, said the overhaul was necessary due to “persistent conflicts of interest” within the committee. However, no such violations have been reported in recent years, and existing federal rules require strict disclosure of potential conflicts.

The sudden resignations and reshuffling have raised alarms among public health experts, who fear that politicized appointments could erode the credibility of scientific vaccine guidance in the U.S.