A pivotal government panel dedicated to vaccine advisement is scheduled to convene for the first time on Wednesday since Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed several critics of vaccines to its ranks.
Earlier this month, Kennedy made waves by completely overhauling the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the body that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This committee plays a critical role in reviewing vaccine data and making recommendations that influence eligibility for vaccinations and insurance coverage, among other factors.
The impact of these newly appointed members, many of whom are known for their skepticism regarding vaccines, on U.S. vaccine policy and accessibility remains uncertain.
During a full-day meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, the panel will analyze information concerning Covid-19 vaccines and those for RSV, with plans to vote on recommendations regarding the latter. The group will reconvene on Thursday to assess data related to flu shots and other vaccinations.
For any recommendations to be adopted as official policy, they must receive approval from the CDC director.
Members of ACIP are independent experts from medical and public health fields who formulate recommendations based on thorough scientific scrutiny and evidence. However, among Kennedy’s new appointees are several prominent vaccine skeptics, including Dr. Robert Malone.
Malone claims to have significantly contributed to the development of mRNA vaccines, but has attracted attention for promoting unfounded and debunked assertions about Covid-19 vaccines.
Another new appointee, Retsef Levi, has advocated against the use of mRNA vaccines, falsely asserting in a post on X that they cause “serious harm including death, especially among young people.”
The Wednesday meeting is set to commence at 10 a.m. ET.
