US Health Secretary Fires All 17 CDC Vaccine Advisory Members Over Conflict Claims

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing concerns over conflicts of interest and aiming to restore public trust in vaccine science. Kennedy criticized the previous panel for being influenced by pharmaceutical companies and described the committee as a 'rubber stamp' for vaccine approvals. The move has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts like Ashish Jha, who warned that it could undermine vaccine availability and public health efforts, especially for children. Supporters of Kennedy argue that the purge is necessary to end Big Pharma's influence and plan to appoint new advisors free from industry ties to prioritize independent science. The decision has sparked debate over vaccine policy and the future of public health guidance in the U.S., with concerns about potential negative impacts on vaccination programs and herd immunity. Overall, this action marks a significant shift in federal vaccine advisory processes under Kennedy's leadership.