Kennedy Selects New Members for US CDC Vaccine Panel

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

An internal CDC document revealed on Wednesday that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed seven new members to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory panel.

According to the document, reviewed by Reuters, the Department of Health and Human Services instructed the CDC to add the new members to its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Kennedy’s Overhaul of CDC Vaccine Panel Raises Concerns

In June, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, replacing them with eight personally selected advisers—though one has since stepped down. The move, given Kennedy’s long-standing criticism of vaccines, has sparked concerns about the panel’s ability to remain independent in its vaccine recommendations.

According to the internal document, one of the seven new prospective members is Dr. Raymond Pollak, a semi-retired transplant surgeon with expertise in immunology. Pollak confirmed he has been approached to join the panel, stating, “I’m being considered pending the vetting process. If I was offered the position, I would think carefully about it.”

Additional Prospective Members Named to CDC Vaccine Panel

Other individuals identified as potential appointees include Dr. Joseph Fraiman, an emergency medicine specialist based in New Orleans; Dr. John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist; Catherine Stein, a professor of epidemiology; Hillary Blackburn, a pharmacist; and Dr. Evelyn Griffin, an obstetrician-gynecologist. None were available for comment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist, directed media inquiries to the Department of Health and Human Services. An HHS spokesperson declined to comment.

Role of ACIP and Upcoming Meeting

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) serves as an external panel of experts that advises the CDC on vaccine use, determining who should receive specific vaccines and at what intervals following FDA approval. Its recommendations also guide insurance companies in setting coverage policies.

According to the Federal Register, the committee is scheduled to convene on September 18, where it may vote on vaccines for hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella-varicella, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Leadership Shake-Up at CDC Amid Vaccine Policy Disputes

Traditionally, the CDC director holds final authority over ACIP recommendations. However, last week CDC Director Susan Monarez was dismissed after opposing vaccine policy changes promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In a statement through a spokesperson, Monarez said she had been pressured to “rubber stamp” the committee’s recommendations. Her removal triggered the resignations of three senior CDC officials, who cited concerns over anti-vaccine policies driven by Kennedy.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting