• RFK Jr. replaced all members of the U.S. vaccine advisory panel with his own picks, drawing criticism.
• The new panel is set to review long-established vaccination schedules for children and adolescents.
• Concerns have emerged regarding the qualifications and potential biases of new panel members, some of whom are skeptics of vaccines.
• Discussions are underway about the cumulative effects of vaccinations on children and recommendations for hepatitis B and measles vaccines.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics has denounced the changes, stating they undermine public trust in vaccines.

The U.S. vaccine advisory panel, officially known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has undergone significant changes under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After firing all previous members, Kennedy selected eight new individuals, including notable vaccine skeptics, to form the newly constituted panel. This shake-up has raised concerns from health experts regarding its potential impact on public health policy and vaccine confidence among Americans, leading to widespread condemnation from the medical community, as many view it as an attempt to politicize vaccine recommendations, according to Reuters and BBC.

The newly appointed panel met for the first time recently, with chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff announcing plans to review the cumulative effects of the childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule and determine the necessity of certain long-standing vaccinations, such as the hepatitis B vaccine given at birth. This shift in focus has led to concerns that the review process is being compromised, deviating from established protocols that typically ensure rigorous scientific evaluation of vaccine efficacy and safety, according to The Hill and ABC News.

In the wake of these changes, public health officials and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have expressed their discontent. They argue the new panel lacks the necessary experience and expertise to responsibly evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of vaccines. The AAP has publicly announced it will no longer participate in ACIP hearings, contending the process is now "no longer credible," as it relies on individuals who may harbor biases against vaccines, according to CBS News and Reuters.

The panel's upcoming meetings will also evaluate new vaccines, including those for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), alongside previously approved infant vaccines. A vote on the RSV immunization has been a focal point, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the panel's approach under RFK Jr.'s leadership. The recommendations made by ACIP directly influence broader federal vaccine policy, encompassing insurance coverage mandates and vaccine access for uninsured populations, according to The Hill. Discussions on thimerosal, a controversial preservative in some vaccines, will also factor into the panel's deliberations this year as they attempt to navigate the complicated relationship between public perception and vaccine science.

As this newly formed ACIP prepares to address these pressing health issues, the implications of Kennedy's reform on vaccine policy and public trust remain to be seen. Concerns about the committee's makeup and the potential for bias loom large, prompting calls from the medical community for a return to more traditionally vetted and scientifically supported vaccine guidance, as highlighted by discussions from both cult figures in the field and concerned legislators, according to Reuters and ABC News.