David Axelrod, a Democratic political strategist, criticized recent changes to health and welfare under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has added members to the main vaccine advisory committee.
This week, Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appointed eight new members, some of whom are known for spreading misinformation about vaccines.
Axelrod referred to the situation as a “real catastrophe,” mentioning in a post on Social Platform x that vaccines have been crucial in eradicating diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries.
Kennedy, on the other hand, praised his appointed ACIP members, calling them knowledgeable and capable. He described them as “qualified, highly qualified scientists, leading public health experts, and some of America’s most skilled physicians,” all committed to evidence-based medicine and common sense in a post on X.
The new members are set to convene on June 25th to discuss the Covid-19 vaccine and review safety and efficacy data related to the current vaccination schedule.
Kennedy has a history of promoting vaccine misinformation, and he recently reversed the CDC’s guidance on Covid-19 vaccinations for pregnant individuals and healthy children.
Critics quickly voiced concerns about the secretary establishing new standards for vaccines post-pandemic, especially during a measles outbreak in the country. Jerome Adams, a former surgeon general under the Trump administration, argued that these decisions limit crucial healthcare tools and undermine public trust in the healthcare system.
Adams pointed out what he sees as a significant flaw in the newly proposed vaccine framework, noting that while the immediate risk of Covid-19 appears to be declining, the framework suggests that its threat in 2024 could still surpass that of breast cancer and car accidents, leading to nearly 50,000 deaths in the U.S.
Kennedy claimed that his views on vaccines were “unrelated” while testifying before Congress around May 14th, stating, “I don’t think I’m evasive, but I don’t think people should take medical advice from me.”
