RFK Jr. Dismisses Vaccine Panel Veterans: Meet Their Controversial Replacements

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced a significant overhaul of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) by removing all 17 members and appointing eight new individuals, many of whom hold skeptical views on vaccines.

The ACIP, operating under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has historically been comprised of experts in public health and immunization. For over 50 years, the committee has utilized evidence-based research to evaluate vaccine safety, guiding insurance policies that determine vaccine coverage for the public.

Kennedy’s decision to appoint a new panel is framed as a response to alleged conflicts of interest, although previous members operated under a stringent conflict policy. This restructuring could have far-reaching implications for vaccine accessibility and insurance coverage. Vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 and measles, mumps, and rubella may become prohibitively expensive without insurance support.

Uncertainty surrounds further appointments to the committee. The newly appointed members include:

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln

A nutritional scientist and psychiatrist, Hibbeln has no direct vaccine experience. He is notable for research linking fish consumption in pregnancy to autism risk.

Dr. Martin Kulldorff

A biostatistician and former Harvard professor, Kulldorff previously served on an ACIP vaccine safety subgroup. Known for his skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines, he co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for herd immunity via natural infection rather than public health measures.

Retsef Levi

A professor at MIT, Levi studies healthcare risk management but lacks vaccine-related experience. He has been vocal about his doubts regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for young people, despite existing evidence supporting their benefits.

Dr. Robert W. Malone

An infectious disease researcher, Malone is recognized for his critical stance on COVID-19 vaccines. His claims regarding his role in the development of mRNA vaccines have faced scrutiny, and he has been accused of spreading misinformation about vaccine safety.

Dr. Cody Meissner

A pediatrician at Dartmouth, Meissner has previously defended vaccines and contributed to crafting vaccine schedules. Nonetheless, he has expressed opposition to certain public health guidelines, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children.

Dr. James Pagano

This Los Angeles-based emergency room doctor appears to lack notable vaccine research or related experience.

Vicky Pebsworth, OP, PhD, RN

A regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, Pebsworth’s involvement with the National Vaccine Information Center, which promotes anti-vaccine rhetoric, raises concerns about her alignment with mainstream public health perspectives.

Dr. Michael A. Ross

Currently an interim chief medical officer and a board member for a supplement company, Ross has no clear background in vaccine research or work.

As the new appointments take shape, the future of vaccine policy in the U.S. remains uncertain, prompting discussions about the implications for public health.