Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) after Kennedy dismissed all 17 prior members, replacing them with eight new individuals, including several known vaccine skeptics. Cassidy, who is a medical doctor and chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, expressed concerns that the new panel lacks adequate experience in crucial areas such as microbiology, epidemiology, and immunology, particularly regarding modern mRNA vaccine technologies.
In a post on X, Cassidy highlighted the importance of having a fully staffed and balanced ACIP, especially given the legal requirements for such representation. He called for the upcoming ACIP meeting, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, to be postponed until more qualified members can be appointed. Cassidy’s criticisms are particularly notable as he voted for Kennedy’s confirmation based on prior commitments that included maintaining the integrity of ACIP.
Without an appointed CDC director, a situation exacerbated by the pending confirmation hearing of Susan Monarez, Kennedy has moved forward with ACIP’s recommendations, such as the decision to cease recommending the COVID vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended Kennedy’s choices by asserting that the new members are distinguished scientists and public health experts committed to evidence-based practices.
The agenda for the upcoming ACIP meeting includes discussions on flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury derivative previously used as a preservative, which Kennedy has controversially linked to autism—a claim that has been widely debunked. Most U.S. vaccines now contain little to no thimerosal, with single-dose flu shots being the standard.
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