The former Surgeon General under President Trump criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for dismissing the entire federal advisory board on vaccine guidance. This decision, he claimed, jeopardizes public health and could undermine trust in health agencies.
In an Op-Ed for Time, Jerome Adams expressed concern that Kennedy’s recent moves contradict his assurance not to withdraw anyone’s access to vaccines. He pointed out a troubling new framework from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines, as well as new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that no longer advocate for vaccinations among children and pregnant women.
Adams stated, “These actions collectively limit access to important tools to save lives and undermine confidence in our healthcare system.” He held the role of Surgeon General from 2017 to 2021 during the Trump administration.
He further noted a significant flaw in the updated vaccine framework regarding its limited risk assessment. While the immediate threat from COVID-19 has lessened, he highlighted that it was still projected to claim nearly 50,000 lives in the U.S. by 2024.
On Wednesday, Kennedy announced eight new members for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing the 17 members he had let go. Among these new appointees were individuals spread misinformation about COVID-19. Reports indicated that two of the new members had previously backed lawsuits against Merck regarding HPV and MMR vaccines.
Adams also expressed regret in his Op-Ed that older adults and pregnant women, who face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, are further affected by the dismissal of ACIP members.
“ACIP was a reliable, science-driven body that ensured vaccines were safe and effective, saving countless lives through clear recommendations,” he remarked. “Removing its members without clear evidence of wrongdoing could lead to the replacement of experienced scientists with less qualified individuals.”
Following these developments, Adams hinted at allegations of perjury on social media, referencing epidemiologist Eric Fagle Ding, who labeled Kennedy’s assurance of not taking the vaccine as “a lie.” Adams asserted, “No matter your view on vaccines, rational people should agree that perjury is not an acceptable way to justify an end goal.”
Recently, Adams has publicly criticized various actions from the Trump administration and pressing health issues. After Trump proposed Kennedy as a new candidate for Surgeon General, Adams took to social media to highlight the lack of qualifications individuals should meet in such roles.
Earlier this month, he expressed, “I know nothing about the recent measures, but I strongly believe anyone leading American public health should adhere to the same standards expected of them.”
