Vaccine Panel Overhaul: Kennedy's Controversial Reshuffle
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed all members of a CDC vaccine panel, sparking criticism. As a long-time vaccine skeptic, Kennedy aims to increase public trust but faces backlash from experts concerned over politicization. The changes have raised doubts about the integrity of health agencies.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, has dismissed all 17 members of a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) panel of vaccine experts. The decision has sparked protests among vaccine scientists and concerns about undermining public confidence in health agencies.
Kennedy aims to restore public trust, claiming the move is about transparency rather than advancing any particular vaccine agenda. However, critics argue that reshuffling the vaccine panel is politically motivated and could erode the panel's non-partisan expertise and objectivity.
The reshuffle occurs as officials question the new panel's readiness and the potential impact on the CDC's vaccine recommendations. While Kennedy's department states the changes are necessary, the move has drawn condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans, worried about the influence of anti-vaccine sentiment on public health policy.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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