New Appointments to CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Raise Eyebrows

The Director of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has recently appointed five new members to the CDC’s external vaccine advisory panel, just ahead of its next meeting.

In May, Kennedy dismissed the entire panel and selected new faces, many of whom have expressed skepticism about COVID-19 vaccines and other immunizations.

Among the latest additions to the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices (ACIP) are individuals known for their criticism of the COVID-19 vaccine and for advocating the use of Ivermectin as a treatment for the virus.

The panel is scheduled to convene Thursday and Friday in Atlanta, where it will deliberate and likely vote on recommendations concerning both COVID-19 vaccines and routine immunizations for children, including combination vaccines for illnesses like measles and mumps.

Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, commented on this shift, noting that the ACIP’s role is crucial in safeguarding public health through evidence-based vaccine recommendations.

In a statement, Kennedy noted that these new members bring a variety of expertise, emphasizing the importance of transparency and independence in the committee’s work.

It’s worth mentioning that the ACIP’s recommendations must clear the approval of the CDC Director before becoming officially recognized. Earlier this month, Kennedy also let go of CDC director Susan Monares shortly after her appointment.

Katherine Stein

At Case Western Reserve University, Katherine Stein is a professor specializing in infectious disease epidemiology and tuberculosis. During the early months of the pandemic in 2021, she downplayed COVID-19’s impact, suggesting that Ohio’s data might exaggerate death figures.

Kirk Milhoan

Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist and a senior fellow at the Independent Medical Alliance, has focused on addressing vaccine-related cardiovascular effects. He has promoted Ivermectin, which has been disputed in clinical studies, and has raised concerns about the mRNA vaccine’s contribution to myocarditis cases, advocating for its removal from the market.

Hilary Blackburn

Hilary Blackburn is a pharmacist working with AscensionRx within the Ascension Health System. Her stance on vaccines remains somewhat ambiguous.

Evelyn Griffin

Evelyn Griffin practices as an obstetrician/gynecologist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Previously, she was involved in movements to eliminate vaccine mandates in Louisiana, as reported.

Raymond Pollack

Raymond Pollack is a surgeon and transplant immunobiologist, known for his whistleblower role in a lawsuit alleging improper patient admissions for liver transplants at Illinois University Hospital. His research contributions are notable, with over 120 peer-reviewed publications to his name.