Overview

• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 ACIP members in early June and appointed eight new advisers, several known for vaccine skepticism.
• The panel will convene June 25–26 to vote separately on influenza vaccines containing thimerosal and overall flu recommendations and to review RSV, chikungunya, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Covid-19 and other immunizations.
• Major medical groups and former ACIP members have condemned the shake-up as a threat to data-driven vaccine schedules and described Kennedy’s overhaul as a ‘coup.’
• Thimerosal was largely removed from pediatric shots in 2001 despite safety studies, and its renewed review reflects Kennedy’s longstanding opposition outlined in his 2014 book.
• The CDC remains without a confirmed director as Susan Monarez awaits Senate hearings, leaving final approval of ACIP guidance to the health secretary.