Overview

• Health Minister Orazio Schillaci revoked all 22 appointments to the vaccine advisory group on August 16 after protests over two appointees seen as vaccine‑critical, following petitions signed by tens of thousands of scientists.
• On August 19, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the reset a "pessimo segnale" and said "al ministero c'è qualcosa che non funziona," noting Schillaci first named the panel and then voided it.
• Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said plural bodies should host differing views and argued the dominant scientific position is not always right, taking distance from Schillaci’s choice.
• Palazzo Chigi signaled the decision was not agreed and reiterated support for pluralism, while Forza Italia and major medical societies welcomed the revocation as reinforcing scientific standards.
• Schillaci defended acting "secondo coscienza" as a doctor who believes in vaccines, and the ministry says it will consult professional orders and universities to define clearer criteria before reconstituting the body.