NYT Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of an influential committee, including the appointment of new members, has created concern about vaccine access. The U.S. health secretary’s dismissal of an influential vaccine advisory committee this week sowed uncertainty about the future of vaccine recommendations nationwide.
On Wednesday, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced eight new members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which makes recommendations that are adopted by doctors, pharmacists, insurers and patients. His nominations included a physician who previously served on the committee, a scientist who has spread unfounded claims about Covid-19 vaccines and an epidemiologist who denounced Covid lockdowns.