Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US health secretary, recently appointed eight new vaccine advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel, replacing all 17 experts who previously held the roles. The new panel members include individuals who had voiced concerns about being sidelined, a prominent figure known for spreading misinformation, and medical professionals with limited vaccine expertise. Kennedy emphasized that the new advisers are committed to evidence-based medicine and rigorous scientific standards before making vaccine recommendations.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), now under Kennedy’s purview, plays a crucial role in advising the CDC on vaccine distribution, ultimately influencing which vaccines are available to Americans. The recent changes by Kennedy also involved the removal of career officials responsible for vetting ACIP members and overseeing the advisory group.

Among the notable new members is Robert W. Malone, who gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic for his criticism of the Biden administration and claims about mRNA technology. Martin Kulldorff, a former Harvard professor, emerged as a Covid contrarian and co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration advocating for limited pandemic restrictions. Cody Meissner, a pediatrics professor, has previous experience with the FDA and CDC, while Vicky Pebsworth, a nurse, brings a unique perspective from her role with the National Association of Catholic Nurses.

The new panel also includes Retsef Levi, an expert in healthcare analytics, Joseph R. Hibbeln, a psychiatrist specializing in omega-3 fatty acids, and Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician with extensive clinical experience. While these appointments signal a significant shift in the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest and the credibility of some new members.