- United States
- Md.
- Letter
The decision by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices threatens to undermine public trust in the vaccine approval process. This expert panel has long served as a model of transparent, fact-based guidance through its rigorous review of vaccine safety and effectiveness data. Removing the entire panel appears to be a blatantly political act that will damage the scientific impartiality and integrity crucial for maintaining confidence in vaccine recommendations. The dismissed ACIP members were dedicated medical professionals who volunteered their time and expertise. Dismissing them wholesale disregards their service and raises concerns that new appointees may be influenced by anti-vaccine ideology rather than following an objective, evidence-based approach. This would set a dangerous precedent that could make families less safe by eroding faith in immunization schedules. I urge you to take action against this reckless decision which could have devastating public health consequences. The ACIP must remain independent from political interference so its recommendations continue being driven solely by scientific data and a commitment to protecting all Americans' health through robust vaccination programs. Restoring the panel's previous members is critical to preserving the integrity of the vaccine vetting process.