RFK Jr. and A New Era for Vaccine Policy: Shifting Priorities in Public Health

Healthcare worker with face mask showing placard with "Vaccine", people waiting to be vaccinated at vaccinating center.

By IHPL - July 1, 2025

Established in 1964, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a group of nonfederal experts that advises the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on vaccine use to prevent diseases across the nation.¹ Though largely unknown to the public until recently, the ACIP plays a critical role in shaping national immunization guidelines, influencing insurance coverage and ensuring vaccine access for low-income children. Its recommendations inform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual vaccine schedules for both children and adults and may also address vaccines for travel or emergency outbreaks.^1,2

On June 9, 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s ACIP, describing the decision as part of a broader effort to rebuild public trust in vaccine science and reduce potential conflicts of interest.^3,4 Although the panel already requires members to disclose and recuse themselves from any conflicts of interest before voting, Kennedy argues that the change is necessary to improve transparency.⁴

Kennedy’s longstanding skepticism of vaccines adds another layer of uncertainty, raising concerns about the impact on public health policy and insurance coverage.⁵ The move could significantly impact access to vaccines and increase out-of-pocket costs for various immunizations such as the ones for COVID-19, human papilloma virus (HPV), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).^4,6 It also creates a gray area for health plans: while some insurers might keep offering coverage without cost-sharing, others may opt out. Although the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage for vaccines recommended by the ACIP, it does not mention the CDC’s vaccine schedule.⁶

On June 11, 2025, Kennedy appointed eight new vaccine advisors to the ACIP, replacing the panel that was abruptly dismissed. The new appointees are Joseph R. Hibbeln, Martin Kulldorff, Retsef Levi, Robert W. Malone, Cody Meissner, James Pagano, Vicky Pebsworth, and Michael A. Ross.^4,7 While several of the newly appointed ACIP members have publicly voiced support for vaccines, others have expressed skepticism, sharing Kennedy’s concerns about government transparency and vaccine side effects.^8,9

Many public health advocates have voiced concerns regarding the panel, noting a lack of members with vaccine-specific expertise. Instead, the group represents a range of backgrounds, including individuals known for criticizing pandemic-era policies, such as school closures, lockdown measures, and mRNA vaccines.^7,10 One member serves on the board of an organization critical of vaccine policies.⁹

The sudden dismissal and replacement of the ACIP raise serious concerns about the stability and direction of the U.S. vaccine program. There is growing unease that such abrupt and unexplained decisions could undermine decades of progress in immunization policy, restrict access to essential vaccines, and ultimately jeopardize the health and safety of American families by increasing their vulnerability to preventable diseases.¹¹

To preserve public trust and safeguard national health, it is imperative that decisions affecting critical advisory boards like the ACIP are made with accountability and scientific integrity at the forefront.

Author Bio:

Renée Chuang, M.S.

Renée completed her undergraduate education in Biochemistry and Sociology at the University of Oregon. She then received her Master of Science in Global Health at National Taiwan University. Currently, she is pursuing her DrPH in Health Policy and Leadership at Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Her research interests include patient-provider relationships and quality of care. When she is not working on her dissertation, she can be found exploring local coffee shops in LA or training for a marathon.

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