Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to dismiss a number of vaccine advisors as he begins shaking up the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy plans to remove from advisory committees a number of individuals he believes have conflicts of interest. Kennedy has been explicit in stating that the medical industry has undue influence over regulators and government policy.
“We will remove conflicts of interest from the committees and research partners whenever possible or balance them with other stakeholders,” Kennedy said on Tuesday, in his first detailed remarks to HHS staff.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which has a key role in dictating vaccine policies, is one clear target for Kennedy. On Thursday, the ACIP was postponed indefinitely.
In response, medical professionals sent a joint letter urging Kennedy to preserve the meeting. “Each ACIP meeting holds tremendous weight and relevance,” the letter states.
“Infectious diseases are constantly evolving opponents; vaccines are among the best tools for constantly adapting and responding to the latest public health threats… Making America healthy requires healthy discussion and timely, evidence-based decisions. This meeting should be no different.”
Panels that advise the Food and Drug Administration are also being targeted.
At present, it’s unclear who is being targeted or how many people will be dismissed.
RFK Jr. is a long-time critic of vaccination practices, especially in the US; although he has reiterated that he is not against vaccination per se. During the election campaign, he vowed to reassess the childhood vaccination schedule and he also suggested that certain vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, could be taken off the market.
The CDC has already withdrawn its “Wild to Mild” seasonal campaign for flu vaccination. CDC staff were apparently told on Wednesday that the campaign would be withdrawn.