RFK Jr. To Lead Panel Revisiting Controversial Vaccine Claims

In a development that raises concerns among health experts, a vaccine advisory panel appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to review long-established scientific consensus on childhood immunizations. The meeting, beginning Wednesday, will re-examine claims linking vaccines to rare risks, prompting fears that fringe theories might influence national vaccine policies.

Typically, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) evaluates scientific evidence to recommend vaccination schedules and policies. However, these times are unusual. Kennedy, who previously promoted vaccine misinformation, has injected skepticism into federal health discussions by dismissing all 17 existing ACIP members before their terms expired and appointing new members with controversial backgrounds, including Robert Malone, known for spreading false COVID-19 pandemic claims.

The agenda covers standard topics such as influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, but notably includes the discussion of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines for young children, along with the safety of thimerosal-containing flu vaccines. This has alarmed public health experts, especially as the U.S. is currently experiencing its worst measles outbreak in decades, with over 1,200 cases and three fatalities.

The panel's focus on revisiting vaccine safety topics, including the contentious issue of thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative formerly used in pediatric vaccines—has been met with criticism. Despite scientific evidence confirming its safety, vaccine advocates and experts point out that there is no proven link between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Furthermore, the debate extends to the use of combined MMRV vaccines versus separate injections. While the combined vaccine simplifies immunization schedules, some concerns about rare side effects are being revisited without clear scientific benefit, especially given the critical role vaccines play in preventing deadly diseases.

The current resurgence of measles highlights the importance of vaccination programs, yet the upcoming panel discussions have sparked fears of misinformation influencing policy decisions. Experts emphasize that vaccine policies should remain grounded in science, not ideology, to protect public health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-rfk-jr-medical-panel-revisit.html