Senate Democrats Probe Controversial CDC Panel Shake-Up

Senate Democrats have initiated a thorough investigation into the recent actions of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The inquiry focuses on Kennedy's dismissal of the entire panel, composed of 17 vaccine experts, and his controversial decision to replace them with advisers, some of whom are known anti-vaccine activists.

The committee, led by Democratic members, expressed concerns over the implications of this move, which they argue will reduce public access to essential vaccines. In a letter, they urged Kennedy to provide extensive details on the reasons behind the firings and demanded disclosure of any conflicts of interest involving the former panel members.

Kennedy asserted that the panel was removed due to undisclosed conflicts, aiming to restore trust in vaccines—yet no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The investigation involves examining the roles of involved individuals, including Lyn Redwood, and scrutinizes the ethical compliance of the newly appointed advisory members.

(With inputs from agencies.)