US Health Secretary RFK Jr. Fires All 17 CDC Vaccine Advisory Members

In 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has taken controversial actions including the firing of all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, citing the need to restore public trust and avoid conflicts of interest. This move has sparked widespread criticism from medical experts and public health advocates who warn it could undermine confidence in vaccines and public health agencies. Kennedy's broader agenda includes a proposed reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services to create the Administration for a Healthy America, focused on chronic disease, though this faces Congressional resistance. Critics also highlight Kennedy's history of vaccine skepticism and promotion of misinformation, with experts calling into question the scientific validity of his claims and reports produced under his leadership. These developments come amid concerns about the erosion of established public health defenses and democratic norms, with commentators drawing parallels between Kennedy's actions and other controversial decisions by President Trump. Despite criticism, Kennedy maintains a focus on addressing chronic diseases and improving public health, though his methods and credibility remain highly contested.