RFK Jr., as Secretary of Health and Human Services, dismissed all existing ACIP members and appointed new ones, many with anti-vaccine backgrounds3.
The new ACIP voted to recommend against the use of flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative used in a small minority of U.S. flu shots (about 4%, primarily in multidose vials)123.
This move is seen by many in public health as the committee's willingness to break with longstanding vaccine conventions and to lend credence to unsubstantiated claims about vaccine safety, particularly regarding thimerosal and autism, which multiple studies (including those by the CDC) have found to be unfounded23.
The ACIP also voted to reaffirm the recommendation for routine annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older3.
The committee approved updated recommendations for a new RSV shot and announced plans to review all recommended pediatric vaccines, citing concerns about their cumulative effects on children1.
Presentations leading up to the vote included input from anti-vaccine advocates and figures, with fact-checkers and experts criticizing the process for lack of scientific rigor and transparency2.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other public health organizations voiced strong concerns that these moves could undermine trust in immunization programs and restrict vaccine access to certain populations13.
Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-vaccine-committee-vote-rsv-flu-shot/
2. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-flu-vaccines/vaccine-public-health-advocates-warn-fallout-acip-meeting
3. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/kennedys-new-cdc-advisory-committee-fires-strike-one-against-vaccines