Controversy Erupts Over CDC's Vaccine Policy Shake-up

The CDC's revamped vaccine advisory committee, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s associate Martin Kulldorff, is set to vote on revised vaccination policies for diseases like hepatitis B and COVID-19. Controversy surrounds the changes, particularly the suggestion to delay newborn hepatitis B vaccinations, leading to a CDC leadership shake-up.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 18-09-2025 15:34 IST | Created: 18-09-2025 15:34 IST

Controversy Erupts Over CDC's Vaccine Policy Shake-up — vaccine

The United States is witnessing a significant shift in its vaccination policy as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointed advisors convene to discuss the path forward. This came after Kennedy's controversial decision to remove and replace the CDC's entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Under new leadership, the committee, chaired by Martin Kulldorff, will assess recommendations for combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella shots and consider changes to newborn hepatitis B vaccination protocols. Concerns are mounting over potential risks, such as increased seizure incidents in young children.

This controversy has led to a significant upheaval within the CDC, including the firing of once head Susan Monarez and the subsequent resignations of senior officials. Critics argue these policy shifts lack scientific grounding, potentially jeopardizing public health.