In a sweeping decision that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, US Health Secretary RFK Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the nation’s vaccine advisory committee—a move critics are calling an unprecedented politicization of public health. The abrupt termination of the committee, which included top immunologists and pediatricians, comes amid growing tensions over vaccine mandates and pharmaceutical oversight.
Why This Matters:
1. The committee played a key role in recommending CDC vaccine schedules for children and adults
2. Members had recently raised concerns about rapid approvals for new mRNA boosters
3. RFK Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, has vowed to “restore transparency” in federal health policy
Backlash from Experts:
Medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, condemned the move as “dangerous and reckless,” warning it could undermine trust in immunization programs. Meanwhile, conservative groups praised the decision as a long-overdue challenge to “Big Pharma influence.”
What’s Next?
The White House has remained silent, but insiders say RFK Jr. plans to replace the committee with handpicked advisors, signaling a major shift in US vaccine policy. With 2024 election debates heating up, this could become a defining battle over science, safety, and government power.
