Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, citing financial conflicts, triggering a political storm and fears of destabilized health policy.
At a Glance
- RFK Jr. removed every member of the CDC’s vaccine advisory board on June 9, 2025
- He claimed the panel had conflicts of interest and never rejected a vaccine
- The American Medical Association warned the move “undermines trust”
- CDC reversed booster guidance for kids and pregnant women days later
- Moderna and Pfizer shares dipped modestly after the announcement
Political shake-up or safety cleanup?
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Kennedy defended his abrupt purge of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), calling it a necessary reset to eliminate pharmaceutical influence. He accused the panel of rubber-stamping every vaccine it reviewed, saying the public deserved “independent scientists, not industry insiders.”
The Advisory Committee had advised U.S. immunization policy since 1964, with its recommendations guiding everything from school requirements to Medicaid coverage. The mass dismissal immediately sparked backlash from health leaders and former federal officials. Jesse Goodman, former chief scientist at the FDA, called the move “a tragedy,” warning it signaled the rise of ideology over evidence.
Watch a report: RFK Jr. Fires Entire Vaccine Panel at CDC.
Consequences for vaccine guidance & public health
The fallout was swift. Just days after the firings, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance, no longer recommending boosters for healthy children or pregnant women. The agency now encourages “shared clinical decision-making,” leaving the choice to individuals and doctors—a major shift from previous blanket guidance.
Market reactions were immediate, though mild: Moderna and Pfizer stocks dipped slightly as investors digested the potential impact on future vaccine uptake and government contracts.
But the biggest questions remain ahead. A new ACIP roster is expected before the next scheduled meeting later this month. Analysts and health officials alike will be watching to see if the replacements bring scientific credibility—or political loyalty.
Balancing trust, independence, and expertise
Supporters of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform hailed the action as long overdue, arguing that vaccine oversight had become captured by corporate interests. But major medical groups weren’t convinced. The American Medical Association issued a rare rebuke, stating the firings “undermine the public trust” and risk derailing progress on routine immunizations.
With measles outbreaks already reemerging, critics warn that any loss of faith in the vaccine system could lead to real-world consequences. As the CDC prepares to rebuild its advisory team, the country faces a pivotal test: can it preserve science-based guidance in an era of political upheaval?
