### RFK Jr. Restructures CDC Vaccine Panel, Appointing Skeptics Amid Controversy - In a significant shake-up, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed the entire 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC, replacing them with a new panel of eight members, many of whom are known for their skepticism towards vaccines. This decision has raised alarms among public health officials and scientists, who fear it could undermine trust in vaccine science and public health policies. The new appointees include several individuals who have publicly criticized vaccines, leading to concerns about the future direction of U.S. vaccination strategies and public health initiatives [https://fortune.com/2025/06/12/rfk-jr-new-cdc-panel-dominated-skeptics-biden-era-vaccine-policies, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3455957-controversial-vaccine-panel-shake-up-kennedy-jr-appoints-new-advisers]. ### Structure of RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Changes 1. **Dismissal of Previous Panel**: Kennedy Jr. terminated all members of the previous ACIP, which included respected scientists and public health experts [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cdc-vaccines-committee-rfk-1.7556780]. 2. **Appointment of New Members**: The new panel consists of eight members, many of whom have expressed anti-vaccine sentiments, including Robert Malone and Martin Kulldorff, both known for their criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines [https://www.todayville.com/rfk-jr-appoints-robert-malone-martin-kulldorff-other-covid-shot-critics-to-overhauled-cdc-vaccine-panel]. 3. **Public Health Concerns**: The restructuring has sparked widespread criticism from health professionals, who argue that it could erode public trust in vaccination efforts and compromise public health [https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/rfk-jr-acip-vaccines-cdc]. ### Evidence of Controversy and Public Reaction - **Public Health Leaders' Response**: Numerous public health officials and organizations have condemned the decision, warning that it could lead to a decline in vaccination rates and increased public health risks [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/10/rfk-jr-cdc-vaccine-panel]. - **Composition of New Panel**: The new members have a history of opposing mainstream vaccine policies, raising questions about their ability to provide unbiased recommendations [https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-health-chief-kennedy-names-new-members-vaccine-advisory-committee-2025-06-11]. - **Impact on Public Trust**: Experts fear that the appointment of vaccine skeptics could further polarize public opinion on vaccines, potentially leading to lower vaccination rates and increased outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases [https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2025/06/11/rfk-jr-ousts-members-of-cdcs-vaccine-advisory-committee-igniting-public-health-concerns]. ### Conclusion: Implications of RFK Jr.'s Actions on Public Health - **Major Findings**: The dismissal of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and the appointment of skeptics could significantly impact public health policy and vaccine uptake in the U.S. 1. **Erosion of Trust**: The changes may lead to a decline in public confidence in vaccines, as the new panel's credibility is questioned [https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/rfk-jr-cdc-acip-vaccine-panel-eight-new-members-rcna212477]. 2. **Potential Public Health Risks**: With the new panel's controversial views, there is a risk of undermining established vaccination programs, which could result in increased disease outbreaks [https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/rfk-jr-names-eight-vaccine-panel-replacements-including-covid-shot-skeptics-9a7d2d54]. 3. **Future of Vaccine Policy**: The direction of U.S. vaccine policy may shift dramatically, influenced by the new appointees' perspectives, which could have long-term implications for public health [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-11/rfk-jr-picks-eight-new-members-of-cdc-vaccine-panel].