Articles in this Cluster
26-06-2025
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), ousting all 17 members and appointing seven new ones, several with histories of vaccine skepticism. At their first meeting, new chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff—who said he was fired from Harvard for refusing a Covid-19 vaccine—announced reviews of long-established childhood immunization schedules, including hepatitis B at birth and measles schedules, and a re-examination of vaccines approved seven or more years ago. Public health experts criticized the move as undermining established science and noted the focus on thimerosal, a preservative largely removed from vaccines decades ago, as puzzling. A planned vote on RSV vaccines was postponed, one appointee withdrew ahead of a financial review, and critics—including Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy—questioned the panel’s expertise and potential bias, especially regarding newer technologies like mRNA vaccines.
Entities: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Dr. Martin Kulldorff, thimerosal, RSV vaccines • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-06-2025
A revamped C.D.C. vaccine advisory panel voted to stop recommending flu shots containing thimerosal, a preservative rarely used in U.S. vaccines, despite extensive evidence showing it is safe. The decision followed a presentation by an anti-vaccine advocate and drew strong criticism from medical experts for sidelining scientific consensus. While most U.S. flu shots are already thimerosal-free and supply should be unaffected domestically, experts warn the move could raise costs and reduce access globally, where multi-dose vials are common. Decades of studies have found no link between thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders or autism, and autism rates did not fall after thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines.
Entities: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, thimerosal, influenza vaccine, anti-vaccine movement • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
26-06-2025
A newly reconstituted federal vaccine advisory panel, appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to rescind recommendations for certain flu vaccines containing thimerosal, an ingredient long proven safe and largely removed from childhood shots since 2001. The move reflects Kennedy’s skepticism of vaccines and marks a sharp break from established, evidence-based policy. The committee, which Kennedy reshaped by firing all prior members and appointing several vaccine skeptics, also raised doubts about other FDA-approved products and showed confusion about core programs. Outside scientists and former CDC officials condemned the process and the inclusion of misinformation, including a presentation by a former Children’s Health Defense leader that contained inaccuracies. The panel still recommended seasonal flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, most of which don’t contain thimerosal. Further contentious votes, including on a combined MMR-varicella vaccine and an RSV monoclonal antibody, are expected. Critics warn the changes could undermine longstanding U.S. vaccine policy and public health protections.
Entities: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., New York Times, federal vaccine advisory panel, thimerosal, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: warn
26-06-2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the U.S. will stop funding Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that supports immunization for children in low-income countries. Public health experts warn the move could have deadly consequences by undermining vaccine access and global health efforts.
Entities: United States, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Health and Human Services, The Washington Post • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform