Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert known for his critiques of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Health Secretary, has been barred from serving on the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel.
A representative from the Department of Health and Human Services explained that Offit was among several FDA advisory committee members whose special government employee (SGE) status expired, disqualifying him from participation.
The spokesperson did not elaborate on the identities of the other affected members or whether their statuses would be reinstated.
Offit, who leads the Center for Vaccine Education at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, mentioned that the FDA had requested to extend his term until 2027, but this request was delayed for several months. He stated, “There is no apparent reason.”
Previously, Offit was a member of the FDA’s advisory board on vaccine-related biological products, which assesses data related to vaccine safety and efficacy to guide approval decisions.
He joined the committee in 2017, with his term originally set to conclude this year.
His removal highlights a trend of experts either resigning or being dismissed from the FDA and CDC under Kennedy’s administration. The HHS claims these measures are vital for restoring faith in federal health organizations.
Recently, Kennedy dismissed CDC director Susan Monares, an action that led to the exit of several prominent CDC leaders.
Kennedy is slated to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, where he is expected to face questions regarding his approach to vaccines and the upheaval in the institutions.
Offit played a significant role in developing the rotavirus vaccine and served on the CDC’s vaccine advisory board in the early 2000s.
Kennedy has specifically criticized Offit, suggesting that there is a conflict of interest due to his association with the rotavirus vaccine.
Offit disputed this claim and shared a video on social media. In June, it came to light that Philadelphia Children’s Hospital holds a vaccine patent, which prevented Offit from voting until three years after his departure from the CDC panel.
Kennedy cited concerns about conflicts of interest as a key reason for reforming all 17 current members of the CDC’s Vaccine Advisory Panel back in June.
