RFK Jr. Overhauled the CDC’s Vaccine Panel — Is This a Red Flag?

You know when someone comes to school with the flu, and suddenly everyone gets sick? Vaccines protect against disease, which is why people get vaccinated against the flu. This is also why after vaccines were introduced for COVID-19, we saw cases start to fall. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory panel’s influential recommendations determine the accessibility and regulations for vaccines like the one for influenza.  

What’s Going On? 

On June 9^th, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the removal of all seventeen members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. In a press release the same day, he stated, A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science.” He justified his actions by declaring that the decision put the “restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda.”  

These comments sparked backlash almost immediately, with big names weighing in on the issue.  

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education center of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, commented that Kennedy was “fixing a problem that didn’t exist,” and that this would shake confidence in the committee. 

Reflecting Dr. Offit’s statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced it will publish its own vaccine schedule for children separate from the ACIP, declaring it “no longer a credible process.” 

People are concerned because many board members have spoken about their anti-vaccine views and have spread vaccine misinformation.  

Who Are The New Members? 

Dr. Robert Malone emerged as a close advisor for Kennedy during the measles outbreak and now is on the ACIP. He runs a wellness institute and a popular blog that became famous following the spread of popular conspiracy theories. He previously claimed that Americans were “hypnotized” into taking the COVID-19 vaccines and that they caused AIDS, which has been widely disproven.  

Vicky Pebsworth has considerable experience in vaccines. She is a nurse and is involved with the National Vaccine Information Center as a volunteer and a board member. The center is well known for spreading vaccine misinformation. Her son also faced long-term health issues. She attributes these to the vaccines he was given as a baby.  

Other board members include Dr. Cody Meissner and Dr. Martin Kulldorf, both previously involved with the panel, Dr. Joseph Hibblen, Dr. James Pagano, and Retsef Levi. On June 24^th, Dr. Michael Ross withdrew from the committee.  

Vaccine Prevention Covid-19 on Pixabay  

Why Does This Affect You? 

Teens everywhere will be affected by changing vaccine policies. The recent measles outbreak was caused by parents not vaccinated their children, bringing back a previously eradicated disease. 

 The most important thing you can do now is get vaccinated! Vaccines are your best bet for fighting back against disease and protect your health and is the best thing you can do for yourself.