The article text:
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism on vaccines, has officially terminated all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key entity responsible for issuing government recommendations on vaccinations. In an editorial published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy attributed his decision to persistent conflicts of interest within the committee that he claims have compromised public trust in vaccines.
Kennedy emphasized his commitment to ensuring that "the American people receive the safest vaccines possible." However, critics, including medical professionals and health experts, have condemned Kennedy's long-standing doubts regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, even as he reassured during his Senate hearing that he would not eliminate vaccines altogether. On Monday, he announced the "retirement" of the entire ACIP panel, which includes several members who were appointed just before President Biden left office in January 2025.
Many ACIP members are respected doctors and researchers affiliated with leading medical institutions. Kennedy pointed out that had he not acted, a majority of the panel would have remained unchanged until 2028 with the looming possibility of President Trump’s appointments. He criticized the committee for being plagued by conflicts of interest and alleged that it has devolved into a mere endorsement body for vaccines. In his Wall Street Journal editorial, he accused health agencies and pharmaceutical companies of creating a crisis in public trust, shifting the blame for vaccine skepticism onto misinformation and anti-science narratives.
Citing historical examples from the 1990s and 2000s, Kennedy claimed that ACIP's membership is heavily funded by pharmaceutical firms marketing vaccines. His latest move contradicts earlier assurances made during confirmation hearings. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, also a physician, had expressed confidence that the ACIP would remain unchanged and later expressed concern about Kennedy's decision on social media, emphasizing the need for qualified vaccine experts and warning against potential appointments lacking credible knowledge on vaccination practices.
Though ACIP members are mandated to disclose any conflict of interest and to refrain from participating in relevant votes when conflicts arise, Kennedy articulated a deeper concern about their entanglements in an industry-driven ecosystem that prioritizes pro-industry perspectives.
Dr. Bruce Scott, President of the American Medical Association, described Kennedy’s sweeping dismissal as detrimental to a transparent process that has safeguarded public health, especially amidst declining routine vaccination rates and a resurgence of measles outbreaks. Kennedy has not yet disclosed who will replace the ousted committee members, and a vital ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25, where recommendations for vaccines—including COVID-19 and influenza—are to be addressed.
The BBC has reached out to the US Department of Health and Human Services and ACIP Chair Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot for further comments on this unfolding situation.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism on vaccines, has officially terminated all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key entity responsible for issuing government recommendations on vaccinations. In an editorial published in the Wall Street Journal, Kennedy attributed his decision to persistent conflicts of interest within the committee that he claims have compromised public trust in vaccines.
Kennedy emphasized his commitment to ensuring that "the American people receive the safest vaccines possible." However, critics, including medical professionals and health experts, have condemned Kennedy's long-standing doubts regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, even as he reassured during his Senate hearing that he would not eliminate vaccines altogether. On Monday, he announced the "retirement" of the entire ACIP panel, which includes several members who were appointed just before President Biden left office in January 2025.
Many ACIP members are respected doctors and researchers affiliated with leading medical institutions. Kennedy pointed out that had he not acted, a majority of the panel would have remained unchanged until 2028 with the looming possibility of President Trump’s appointments. He criticized the committee for being plagued by conflicts of interest and alleged that it has devolved into a mere endorsement body for vaccines. In his Wall Street Journal editorial, he accused health agencies and pharmaceutical companies of creating a crisis in public trust, shifting the blame for vaccine skepticism onto misinformation and anti-science narratives.
Citing historical examples from the 1990s and 2000s, Kennedy claimed that ACIP's membership is heavily funded by pharmaceutical firms marketing vaccines. His latest move contradicts earlier assurances made during confirmation hearings. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, also a physician, had expressed confidence that the ACIP would remain unchanged and later expressed concern about Kennedy's decision on social media, emphasizing the need for qualified vaccine experts and warning against potential appointments lacking credible knowledge on vaccination practices.
Though ACIP members are mandated to disclose any conflict of interest and to refrain from participating in relevant votes when conflicts arise, Kennedy articulated a deeper concern about their entanglements in an industry-driven ecosystem that prioritizes pro-industry perspectives.
Dr. Bruce Scott, President of the American Medical Association, described Kennedy’s sweeping dismissal as detrimental to a transparent process that has safeguarded public health, especially amidst declining routine vaccination rates and a resurgence of measles outbreaks. Kennedy has not yet disclosed who will replace the ousted committee members, and a vital ACIP meeting is scheduled for June 25, where recommendations for vaccines—including COVID-19 and influenza—are to be addressed.
The BBC has reached out to the US Department of Health and Human Services and ACIP Chair Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot for further comments on this unfolding situation.
