1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express my deep dismay over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent announcement removing recommendations of COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant people. This proposal is profoundly dangerous—not only because it would undermine decades of public health progress, but because it openly disregards scientific expertise and standard medical regulatory processes, including the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This kind of unilateral pronouncement, made without consultation with ACIP or other public health bodies, sets a troubling precedent. It politicizes science and threatens the health of some of our most vulnerable populations. COVID-19 vaccines have been thoroughly vetted through a transparent, evidence-based process and remain essential tools in reducing serious illness and death. I urge you to speak out against this proposal and reaffirm your support for science-based policymaking. Our communities deserve leaders who will defend public health infrastructure, uphold rigorous review processes, and ensure that health decisions are based on facts—not fear or political rhetoric. Please consider introducing or supporting resolutions that protect vaccine access, reinforce the role of ACIP and the CDC in guiding immunization policy, and push back against misinformation campaigns that put lives at risk. Thank you for your service and leadership.