RFK Jr. Undermines Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence
NEWS & RESEARCH
In June 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. purged the 17-member CDC vaccine advisory committee, replacing them with his own appointees. Under his direction, the committee has restricted or reversed longstanding recommendations for several lifesaving vaccines. Kennedy also ordered the CDC to abandon its stance that vaccines do not cause autism and fired CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez within a month of her swearing-in for refusing to authorize these policy shifts.
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Nine former CDC directors condemned the firing of Dr. Monarez, stating she was ousted for refusing to "rubber-stamp dangerous and unfounded recommendations." Admiral Brett Giroir, former Trump administration health official, warned these actions would cause a "large-scale undermining of vaccine confidence," noting that most Republicans disagree with this radical shift.
SOURCES: NYT Guest Essay | New York Times
HOW TO FIX IT
Investigate & Oversee: Demand internal documents regarding policy changes and maintain aggressive oversight of the CDC’s new leadership.
Restore Protections: Push for the immediate reinstatement of pediatric vaccine measures to protect public health.
Support Legal Action: Back the multi-state lawsuit challenging the "illegal" rollback of childhood vaccination recommendations.
Rebuild Expertise: Restore the advisory panel with qualified, independent experts.
Vet Nominees: Rigorously scrutinize and block any nominees for US surgeon general, CDC, or FDA who promote vaccine denialism.
