In a sweeping move that shocked many in the public health world, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the entire CDC vaccine advisory panel on June 9, 2025. The decision to remove all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has ignited a firestorm of debate about the future of vaccine guidance in the U.S.
Kennedy framed the dismissal as a step toward restoring trust in public health: “We are clearing the slate to build a truly independent, science-first committee,” he said during a Monday press briefing.
Entire CDC Vaccine Panel Dismissed by Kennedy
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Entire ACIP panel removed | 17 members dismissed |
| ACIP previously approved over 30 vaccines | Recommendations affect 90M+ Americans yearly |
| Vaccine confidence already slipping | Only 62% of U.S. adults trust CDC vaccine info |
Kennedy’s move to dismiss the entire CDC vaccine panel is either a much-needed reform or a risky break from tradition—depending on who you ask. What’s clear is that trust in public health guidance is on the line.
Who Are the ACIP and Why Do They Matter?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is no ordinary panel. For over 55 years, ACIP has played a critical role in determining which vaccines Americans should receive and when. These experts shape the immunization schedules followed by pediatricians, schools, and health departments nationwide.
When I interviewed a public health colleague last year for a piece on flu shots, she told me, “If you’re getting a vaccine, chances are ACIP weighed in on it first.”
Kennedy’s Justification: Clearing Out Conflicts
Kennedy, a long-time critic of pharmaceutical influence, stated that many current ACIP members had ties to vaccine manufacturers that undermined public trust.
“We are not against vaccines,” Kennedy said. “We are against bad science and opaque decision-making.”
He promised to repopulate the panel with physicians and researchers “free from industry entanglements” and committed to publishing all conflict-of-interest disclosures.
Backlash from the Medical Community
The reaction from the health sector was swift and critical. The American Medical Association issued a statement condemning the decision, saying it “undermines a science-based process that has protected generations.”
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the University of Pennsylvania, called the move “a terrifying precedent.” He warned that replacing seasoned experts with ideologues could lead to dangerous gaps in guidance.
What Happens Now?
The next ACIP meeting, tentatively scheduled for late June in Atlanta, is expected to feature newly appointed members. So far, no names have been released. Health and Human Services officials say replacements are being vetted for qualifications and independence.
But with vaccine-preventable diseases like measles on the rise and COVID-19 boosters in flux, some fear the timing couldn’t be worse. Several states rely heavily on ACIP’s recommendations to determine school immunization requirements and insurance coverage.
A Sign of Things to Come?
This isn’t Kennedy’s first major policy break. In May, he scaled back CDC recommendations for COVID-19 shots among healthy children and pregnant women, also without ACIP input.
Industry reaction was swift. Stock prices for Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax all dropped the morning after the panel was dismissed. Analysts noted investor concern over regulatory instability.
What This Means for You
If you’re a parent, a provider, or just trying to stay up-to-date on vaccines, the situation may feel uncertain. Without a stable advisory board, vaccine guidance could become more variable across states and institutions.
Still, Kennedy’s team insists the end goal is stronger, not weaker, public health: “We want Americans to trust that vaccine policy is driven by science, not sales.”
FAQs
Was the entire CDC fired?
No, only the 17 members of the ACIP, a key advisory panel, were dismissed.
Does this mean vaccines are unsafe?
No. Existing vaccines remain approved. The change affects how future guidance is developed.
Will this impact school vaccine requirements?
Potentially. Many states follow ACIP recommendations for required vaccines.
