RFK Jr. Fires CDC Vaccine Panel, Sparks Outcry

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired all members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing them with eight appointees, several of whom are vaccine skeptics or have misrepresented their credentials. This unprecedented action has raised alarm among health experts about public trust, insurance coverage, and the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, especially amid a surge in measles cases and declining childhood vaccination rates. Polls show broad bipartisan support for vaccines, with only a small minority blaming them for chronic health issues, highlighting a disconnect between Kennedy’s policies and public opinion. Experts warn that the changes could create confusion for schools, insurers, and families, potentially increasing out-of-pocket costs and leading to inequitable access to vaccines. Kennedy’s broader health agenda, such as targeting ultraprocessed foods, remains more popular with the public. The response to these changes underscores deep political and practical concerns over the future of national vaccine policy.