Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expelled all 17 members of the panel advising the CDC on vaccine safety, efficacy and clinical needs.
RFK Jr. says Covid-19 vaccines are no longer recommended
The Covid-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of HHS.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will fire all 17 members of the committee that advises the federal government on vaccine safety and replace them with new members, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on June 9.
The issue is the Vaccination Practice Advisory Committee, which develops recommendations on vaccine safety, efficacy and clinical need for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It consists of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations for vaccine use in the US civilian population.
“Today, we prioritize restoring public confidence over certain provaccin or anti-vaccine agendas,” said Kennedy Jr., who has a history of controversial views on vaccines. “The public should know that there is bias that is valued through a transparent process and is isolated from conflicts of interest.
Kennedy Jr.’s decision shows a reversal from what a leading Republican senator said Trump’s minister promised at a confirmation hearing earlier this year. Senator R-Louisiana, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said Kennedy has committed to maintaining the committee’s current composition.
“If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccination Advisory Committee without modification,” Cassidy said.
The Biden administration has appointed all 17 sitting committee members, 13 of whom were seated in 2024. According to Trump’s HHS, these appointments would have prevented the current administration from choosing a large portion of the committee until 2028.
“A clean sweep is needed to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science,” Kennedy said, adding that new members will “prioritize public health and evidence-based medicine.” “It no longer serves as a rubber stamp on the industry’s profitable agenda.”