Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the federal vaccine safety advisory committee, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), and plans to appoint new members, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on June 9.
This committee advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine safety, efficacy, and clinical needs, drawing from medical and public health experts to guide vaccine use in the U.S. civilian population.
Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial vaccine views, stated that restoring public trust—through unbiased, transparent science free from conflicts of interest—is now the top priority. His decision contrasts with earlier assurances made during his confirmation, where Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, said Kennedy would keep the committee’s existing composition intact. All current members were appointed by the Biden administration, with most seated in 2024, and those appointments were expected to block changes until 2028. Kennedy argued that a complete overhaul is needed to rebuild confidence in vaccine science, promising that new appointees will focus on public health and evidence-based medicine, rather than serving as a “rubber stamp” for industry profits.
