Senate Health Committee Chair Calls for Vaccine Advisory Meeting Delay

The head of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has called for the delay of an upcoming vaccine advisory meeting. This follows the recent overhaul of the committee by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who dismissed all 17 previous members.

Kennedy, known for his controversial stance on vaccines, appointed eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, some of whom share his skeptical views on vaccines. The committee advises the CDC on vaccine policy. Senate Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy expressed concerns about the new panel's expertise and biases.

Cassidy, a Republican senator and doctor, emphasized the need for a balanced and experienced panel. The meeting, slated for June 25 and 26, should be postponed until the committee is appropriately staffed, he argued. Efforts to reach a Department of Health and Human Services representative for comment were unsuccessful.

(With inputs from agencies.)