HHS

RFK Jr. abruptly dismisses all members of CDC vaccine panel

June 10, 2025

On June 9, 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. dismissed all 17 members of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing the need to restore public trust and eliminate conflicts of interest. According to the HHS announcement, the reconstituted ACIP will prioritize transparency, independence from industry influence, and evidence-based decision-making.

The move follows months of speculation about Kennedy's intent to disband the committee, including the abrupt cancellation of a February ACIP meeting. The committee is set to reconvene June 25–27 in Atlanta.

The decision has drawn significant concern from public health leaders. Georges Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association, described the firings as a “coup.” Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that dismantling a trusted, science-driven advisory body—especially amid declining national vaccination rates—could accelerate the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Sources:

(2025, June 9). U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. HHS Takes Bold Step to Restore Public Trust in Vaccines by Reconstituting ACIP. [Press release]. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-restore-public-trust-vaccines-acip.html

Ungar, L et al. (2025, June 9). AP News. RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory committee. https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9

Owermohle, S et al. (2025, June 9). CNN. RFK Jr. removes all current members of CDC vaccine advisory committee. https://us.cnn.com/2025/06/09/health/rfk-cdc-vaccine-advisers-removed