HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, raising concerns about potential impacts on vaccine accessibility and cost for American families.
At a Glance
- Kennedy dismissed the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing all members with new appointees
- ACIP recommendations determine whether vaccines are covered at no cost under private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
- Kennedy claims the move will restore public trust and ensure unbiased science guides health agency recommendations
- Medical organizations including the American Medical Association have criticized the decision, warning it could increase vaccine costs and undermine public health
- The dismissal contradicts Kennedy’s previous assurance to Senator Bill Cassidy that he would not change ACIP
Complete Overhaul of Vaccine Advisory Committee
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a move that has sent shockwaves through the medical community. The committee, responsible for making recommendations on vaccine safety, efficacy, and clinical need, plays a crucial role in determining which vaccines are covered by insurance providers. All of the dismissed members had been appointed during the Biden administration, with most appointments occurring in 2024.
Kennedy defended his decision as necessary for restoring public confidence in vaccine science. “Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda. The public must know that unbiased science — evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest — guides the recommendations of our health agencies,” Kennedy stated.
Former U.S. Surgeon General under President Trump between 2017-2021, Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams said in a statement earlier tonight that he is deeply concerned by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s “unprecedented decision” today to remove all members… pic.twitter.com/9FbsB1freB
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 10, 2025
Potential Impact on Vaccine Costs and Accessibility
The dismissal of ACIP raises significant concerns about future vaccine accessibility and costs for American families. ACIP recommendations directly influence whether vaccines are covered at no cost under private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. If these recommendations are narrowed or removed under new leadership, insurance companies may no longer be required to provide vaccines without cost-sharing, potentially leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses for common vaccinations like flu shots and childhood immunizations.
“Almost all payers are required to cover recommended vaccines at no-cost,” said Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy at KFF, a non-profit organization focused on national health issues.
The American Medical Association has expressed deep concern about the lack of transparency in selecting new committee members and whether they possess the necessary expertise. Public health experts worry that Kennedy’s appointees may include individuals who have previously criticized vaccines or spread misinformation, potentially undermining decades of established vaccine science and public health strategies.
Broken Promises and Medical Community Response
Kennedy’s decision contradicts assurances he previously made to Senator Bill Cassidy during his confirmation process. Cassidy had stated, “He has also committed that he would work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring system and not establish parallel systems. If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes.”
“The AMA is deeply concerned to learn that new members have already been selected for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without transparency and proper vetting to ensure they have the expertise necessary to make vaccine recommendations to protect the health of Americans,” said Dr. Bobby Mukkamala of the American Medical Association.
Medical professionals like Dr. Paul Offit have criticized the decision as dangerous, noting that ACIP’s past recommendations have significantly benefited children’s health. Major health organizations and former CDC officials have expressed concern that this move could undermine public trust in the vaccine approval process and potentially lead to increases in vaccine-preventable illnesses if vaccination rates decline as a result.
