In a dramatic move, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee this week—a decision he claims will “restore public trust” in immunization programs. Critics, however, warn it could upend decades of public health standards. 🚨
The panel, which reviews vaccine data and sets recommendations for shots like childhood immunizations, saw two-thirds of its members appointed during the Biden administration. Kennedy, a vocal vaccine skeptic, announced the shakeup in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, calling it a “reset” for transparency. 💬
“This committee wields enormous influence,” noted The New York Times, explaining that their decisions directly impact insurance coverage and government health programs like Medicaid. The group was set to meet next week—a gathering the Health Department says will proceed “as planned” with new members yet to be named. 📅
Public health experts fear the overhaul could lead to weakened vaccine guidelines, including for kids. With Kennedy’s history of challenging mainstream science, the move has ignited fiery debates online. 🔥 Will this rebuild trust or unravel hard-won progress? Stay tuned. 🌐
