Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, who now has put massive new-age changes into his vaccine advisory panel. This unprecedented move has many public health advocates worried about the future of vaccine policies in US states. About two weeks ago, Kennedy fired all 17 experts from the panel, then rehired new members, ultimately appointing eight new panelists. At least 50% of the new appointees are publicly skeptical of vaccines. Opponents and public health experts view this as the first step toward a more punitive approach to vaccination mandates.
Kennedy’s actions have already sent shockwaves throughout the public health community. The newly constituted panel wasted no time in making bold moves. In doing so, they voted to withdraw decades-old advice for flu vaccines that use an ingredient falsely linked to autism by the anti-vaccine movement. This decision is an extraordinary, harmful break from decades of scientific consensus about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Kennedy, who started an anti-vaccine organization, has been a long-time vaccine safety conspiracy theorist. His recent actions are being hailed as the biggest and most powerful shift yet in how federal officials should treat vaccination policies. Critics suggest that these changes could undermine a scientific framework that has provided effective vaccines to millions of Americans over the years.
The implications of Kennedy’s restructuring are profound. Public health experts have raised the alarm at the prospect of a public health disaster. Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a pediatrician and vaccine scientist with her life’s work in vaccines, said,
“As a physician and scientist who has devoted my entire career to vaccines and preventing and treating infections, this meeting has been devastating to watch.”
In her at the recent TSC meeting, Lyn Redwood stole the show. She had previously headed the anti-vaccine group established by Kennedy and so she enthusiastically supported the panel’s new course. The panelists themselves stated,
“We came to this meeting with no predetermined ideas, and will make judgments as if we are treating for our own families.”
These statements give serious pause to what may be motivating Kennedy’s actions and what they would mean for future public health efforts. Critics say that Kennedy’s move is the latest example of a disturbing trend throughout the Trump administration. They think this administration is trying to destroy hard-won standards on vaccination practices.
