In a significant development for public health policy, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced five new additions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) influential Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This expansion comes just prior to a crucial two-day session where the committee will evaluate recommendations for COVID-19 and hepatitis B vaccines.
The newly appointed experts bring diverse backgrounds to the committee, which now totals 12 members. They include Hilary Blackburn, a pharmacist and podcast host; Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist affiliated with the Independent Medical Alliance; Dr. Evelyn Griffin, an ob/gyn and functional medicine practitioner; Dr. Raymond Pollak, a semi-retired transplant surgeon; and Catherine Stein, an epidemiology professor who has previously voiced skepticism regarding the extent of COVID risks. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill expressed that these new members will contribute valuable real-world public health experience and help restore trust in vaccines, which he suggested was eroded during the previous administration. These appointments continue a trend initiated by Kennedy in June, when he replaced all 17 existing ACIP members, including figures like Dr. Robert Malone, known for spreading misinformation about COVID, and Retsef Levi, who has critically assessed COVID vaccines. The former members were selected for their specialized medical and vaccine policy expertise and underwent vetting to prevent conflicts of interest. Critics, such as former ACIP member Noel Brewer, argue that the current committee lacks crucial expertise in vaccinology, primary care, cost-effectiveness, and clinical trials, asserting that their foundational understanding of vaccines is insufficient for setting national policy.
The restructuring of ACIP has already led to significant shifts in its operations, notably the committee's vote in June to effectively ban flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a decision based on claims that lack new scientific substantiation. This and other actions have prompted leading medical and public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, to express concerns about the committee's integrity and the potential for politicization to undermine public trust in health recommendations. Given that many state vaccine laws are linked to ACIP guidelines, some states with Democratic governors are beginning to reconsider their reliance on the committee. States like Washington, California, Oregon, and Hawaii have formed a vaccine policy alliance, citing fears that future recommendations might be driven by ideology rather than scientific consensus.
The evolving composition and direction of the ACIP underscore the critical importance of maintaining scientific rigor and public confidence in health advisory bodies. As global health challenges persist, transparent and evidence-based decision-making remains paramount to safeguarding community well-being and ensuring equitable access to vital medical advancements. Upholding integrity in such institutions is not merely a procedural requirement but a foundational element of a resilient public health infrastructure.