ADVERTISEMENTUS Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all members of a crucial scientific committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine use, promising to replace them with his own appointees.
This move has faced criticism from various groups, who express concern that it might jeopardize the future of vaccine utilization in the US. Prominent physicians in the nation have vigorously opposed the dismissal of all 17 members of the advisory panel.
Tom Frieden, the president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives and a former director of the CDC, accused Kennedy of “politicizing” the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), arguing that it could erode the public trust that has been built over years of dedication and hard work.
“This decision will be remembered as a serious error that sacrificed decades of scientific integrity, undermined public confidence, and opened the door to fringe theories rather than facts,” Frieden stated.
Yet, Kennedy asserts that the decision was made based on merit, as several members had conflicts of interest while serving on the board.
Members are presently required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, as well as any business interests, that may arise during their terms. They must also reveal any possible conflicts at the beginning of each public meeting.
Although it is usually regarded as a non-partisan board, all current members of the committee were appointed by Biden.
In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, the health secretary argued that the Trump administration would not have been able to appoint new members until 2028 without removing the current roster.
“A clean sweep is necessary to restore public confidence in vaccine science,” Kennedy Jr. said.
Frieden contends that the health secretary’s actions were predicated on false claims of conflict of interest and represents “a dangerous and unprecedented action that makes our families less safe” by potentially diminishing vaccine access for millions of people.
Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association (APHA) described the dismissal as “a coup.” Bruce Scott of the American Medical Association (AMA) warned that the decision could lead to reduced vaccination rates and more disease outbreaks.
Scott also emphasized that the ACIP is a trusted source of advice grounded in science and data and suggested that Kennedy’s action, combined with declining vaccination rates nationwide, could contribute to an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases.
Kennedy has been a steadfast critic of vaccination programs, gaining fame as a leading anti-vaccination activist before his appointment as the top US health official.
Last month, he altered the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines, removing the recommendation for children and pregnant women to get vaccinated, without first consulting the committee, leaving the decision to patients.
Additional sources • AP
