Health Secretary Kennedy Overhauls Vaccine Policy, Bypasses Traditional Advisers

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is restructuring federal vaccine policy, sidelining long-standing government scientific committees in the process. He is instead relying on a handpicked group of external advocates to advance a sweeping review of national immunization programs. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic activist, has largely isolated himself from career scientists at key agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His new advisers, many of whom share his critical views, now lead the policy review. This shift marks a significant departure from decades of established public health practice. Traditionally, agencies like the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—a panel of independent experts—guide vaccine recommendations. The health secretary’s agenda includes investigating potential vaccine injuries, reviewing safety data, and questioning the current childhood immunization schedule. The changes have sparked deep concern within the public health community, which warns that undermining proven vaccine systems risks disease resurgence. The administration has stated the review aims to "restore trust" in public health institutions. The outcome of this internal overhaul is expected to influence national and state-level vaccine policies for years to come.