As many as seven fresh faces of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s crucial vaccine guidance team will be picked by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The scientific data about vaccines is closely studied by this group before sending any tips on their use to the CDC. Doctors, insurers, and state rules depend on these tips in their own policies about giving out vaccines.
In June 2025, on the flimsiest pretexts that they had all borne conflicts of interest, Kennedy dismissed the then-seated 17 ACIP members. Perspective was gained by a recent study proving that conflicts of interest within the body were at their lowest historically. He subsequently appointed eight new panelists; one did not survive vetting because she also bore financial conflicts. Some who have since assumed office reportedly share, to put it mildly, unconventional beliefs about vaccines in general and about Covid-19 shots in particular.
ACIP sits next on September 18-19, 2025 over vaccines against Covid-19, hepatitis B, and measles-mumps-rubella as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). New appointments are still in the process of being finalized. The final list can be different after a proper vetting process.
Role of ACIP
- Directs Vaccine Administration: The ACIP examines up-to-date information to formulate strategies for vaccine use, guaranteeing safety and efficacy for the general population.
- Insurance Plan Coverage: By law, insurance plans are required to cover vaccines recommended by the ACIP with no cost-sharing for patients.
- State Regulations: Many states rely on ACIP recommendations for determining what vaccines healthcare providers are authorized to administer, especially regarding Covid-19 and other diseases.
With the sudden dismissal of long-time members and the appointment of disputed individuals, public trust in vaccine policies may be diminished.
Who Are the Possible New Members?
Some have otherwise been skeptics of the vaccine or the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic among those also being considered for the ACIP. They include:
- Dr. Joseph Fraiman: Emergency medicine physician co-author of a 2022 study later denounced by fact-checkers as flawed, alleging that the mRNA vaccine against Covid-19 precipitated grave side effects.
- Cathy Stein, PhD: Geneticist at Case Western Reserve University who blasted mask mandates and business closures during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has ties to Kennedy’s nonprofit anti-vaccine group.
- John Gaitanis, MD: Pediatric neurologist, performed work in a supportive role related to a case regarding alleged injuries from the MMR or DTaP vaccine and received compensation exceeding $56,000.
- Dr. Kirk Milhoan: Pediatric cardiologist, misrepresents a study to make allegations that vaccines cause myocarditis and deaths during a panel discussion in 2024.
- Dr. Hillary Blackburn: Pharmacist.
- Dr. Evelyn Griffin: Obstetrician-gynecologist.
- Dr. Raymond Pollak: Transplant specialist, whistleblower.
These prospective members are still under evaluation and have not been finalized yet. The evaluation process usually takes two to three months so as to ascertain that there is no conflict of interest.
What Bothers People About the Changes
Here are the reasons why public health experts worry about Kennedy’s move to restructure the ACIP:
- New members have little knowledge: Some new members do not have much background in the science of vaccines, which reduces the strength of the panel in making informed recommendations.
- Controversial views: Several candidates have propagated unproven claims about vaccines. This raises fears that decisions might not be based on solid evidence.
- Public Health Risks: Since access and insurance coverage are matters for the entire country, any change to ACIP that might bring about less than a unified front in recommending vaccines would precipitate such differences.
- Erosion of Trust: The sudden striking off of the entire panel, with probably more skeptics to be appointed will give people reason to doubt how safe and necessary vaccines are.
ACIP’s September 18-19, 2025 meeting will be a closely monitored event because the panel is about to discuss major vaccines that will create a trend in future public health policies. Should the new members make it through this round of consideration, their choices would redefine what role vaccines play in America-for millions and millions of people.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not announced the final list of new members. “We will have an announcement to make once appointments are finalized,” said a spokesperson from HHS.
Conclusion
The changes that ACIP undergoes under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are a preview of what the vaccine policy in the U.S. can be at risk. Though meant to emphasize transparency and trust, the backgrounds of some potential members sit an uneasy feeling inside experts. This upcoming ACIP meeting is a test of how much damage can be done to public health decision-making.
