By Eliza Trent, Senior Health Correspondent
In a sweeping and unprecedented move, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The decision, announced on June 10, 2025, has triggered a wave of concern and condemnation from the medical and scientific communities.
The ACIP, a longstanding group of vaccine experts, has advised the federal government on immunization practices for over 60 years. Their recommendations have guided national vaccine schedules and shaped public health responses to emerging diseases.
Kennedy Cites Conflicts of Interest
During a televised press briefing, Kennedy justified the sweeping dismissal by claiming the committee had been “compromised by entrenched pharmaceutical interests.”
“We need advisors who are not tied to industry money,” Kennedy declared. “This new chapter in vaccine policy will be guided by independent thinkers—doctors, nurses, and mothers who understand what’s at stake.”
Kennedy’s decision aligns with his longstanding criticism of vaccine policies and pharmaceutical influence in public health. He emphasized that his administration would prioritize transparency and independence in forming a new advisory group.
Medical Community Pushes Back
Public health experts and former government officials swiftly criticized the decision, calling it a dangerous departure from evidence-based policy.
Dr. Leana Wen, a former city health commissioner, warned that the dismissal could “dismantle the trust and scientific integrity” of immunization programs. Other prominent medical figures echoed similar concerns, citing the ACIP’s decades of contributions to controlling infectious diseases.
Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine specialist, expressed alarm over the removal of what he described as “decades of institutional knowledge.”
“This isn’t reform. This is gutting the core of public health expertise,” he said.
Uncertainty for Women and Children
The ACIP has played a critical role in issuing guidance for vaccines affecting infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. With their removal, many health providers are uncertain how to proceed with upcoming vaccination protocols.
Pregnancy-related vaccine guidance, in particular, may suffer. Advocacy groups for women’s health are voicing concern over the lack of medically reviewed, timely recommendations.
“Expecting mothers rely on clear, science-backed advice,” said Dr. Alyssa Clark of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “We’re now facing a guidance vacuum during a critical period.”
What Happens Next?
The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet revealed a timeline for appointing new members to the advisory panel. Until a new committee is in place, CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated that the most recent ACIP recommendations will remain the national standard.
Emergency meetings have been scheduled between HHS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other stakeholders to discuss how to maintain consistency in vaccine protocols during this transitional period.
Several state health departments have issued their own statements reaffirming the existing CDC vaccine schedules, aiming to reduce confusion for parents and schools ahead of the fall flu season.
Political and Legal Fallout
The dismissal has ignited a political firestorm. Some lawmakers argue that the move undermines the credibility of the nation’s public health infrastructure.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the decision “reckless and deeply concerning,” warning of its potential to erode public confidence. Conversely, Senator Rand Paul praised Kennedy’s action as “a necessary reset of a bloated and biased advisory board.”
Legal analysts anticipate that several advocacy groups will challenge the decision in court, potentially on grounds of administrative overreach. The National Academy of Medicine has also called for an independent review of the process.
A Controversial New Era
While Kennedy’s supporters see the dismissal as a long-overdue break from what they view as industry influence, critics fear the disruption could set back progress in controlling preventable diseases.
Until a new advisory panel is installed, the U.S. will operate in uncharted territory, relying on legacy recommendations without the expert oversight that has guided vaccine policy for generations.
