Deep Concern Over ACIP Dismissal
On June 9, 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This expert body has, for decades, played a critical role in shaping national vaccine guidance based on science and public health needs. The decision was carried out via email without prior notice, no transition plan, and no public announcement of qualified replacements.
Secretary Kennedy justified the purge by citing alleged “conflicts of interest” and accusing the committee of acting as a “rubber stamp” for the pharmaceutical industry. However, no evidence supporting these serious claims has been publicly presented. Health professionals, including the American Medical Association, have strongly condemned the action, warning that it undermines trust in vaccination policy and threatens the effectiveness of disease prevention nationwide.
Request for Public Statements
I urge you to issue a public statement denouncing this reckless and unjustified dismissal. The ACIP has long ensured that vaccine recommendations reflect sound science and protect the most vulnerable. Its sudden removal casts doubt on the government’s commitment to evidence-based public health decisions.
Oversight Hearings Urgently Needed
Please call for immediate oversight hearings to examine:
• The rationale and documentation behind the dismissals
• Any substantiated evidence of alleged conflicts
• How and when replacement members will be selected and vetted
• Potential consequences for vaccine access, uptake, and insurance coverage
National Health at Risk
This action introduces chaos and uncertainty into a process that must remain stable, scientific, and apolitical. The consequences for public health could be far-reaching if not swiftly addressed. Congress must act decisively to restore trust and oversight.
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