In a controversial move on 9 June 2025, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) that advises the federal government on vaccine safety. Two days after the firings, he announced eight new appointments, including a physician known for promoting misinformation about Covid-19 and conspiracy theories.
The relationship between vaccine manufacturers and the CDC is essential for maintaining high safety standards and ensuring effective public distribution of vaccines. The CDC’s capacity to monitor public health needs is critical, particularly as manufacturers navigate the intricate landscape of vaccine production and regulatory compliance.
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Kennedy defended his choices, stating that the new committee members are dedicated to evidence-based medicine and will demand rigorous safety and efficacy data before making new vaccine recommendations. The ACIP plays a crucial role in this process, as it comprises medical and public health experts who evaluate the safety, efficacy and clinical necessity of vaccines for the civilian population in the US.
Among Kennedy’s new picks are respected figures such as Dr Cody Meissner, chief of paediatric infectious diseases at Tufts Children’s Hospital (Boston, MA, US). However, the list also includes prominent vaccine skeptics such as Dr Robert Malone, who gained notoriety during the Covid-19 pandemic for spreading misinformation about vaccines. Malone, an early mRNA pioneer, has made unfounded claims regarding the dangers of mRNA vaccines, which have sparked significant public backlash.
According to GlobalData’s catalyst calendar, Moderna’s mRNA-1647, an mRNA vaccine, is expected to receive US approval in 2026 for cytomegalovirus infections. There are currently 20 mRNA vaccines in Phase II and Phase III development in the US.
Changes to the ACIP could result in regulatory uncertainty for vaccine developers and manufacturers, potentially causing delays in decisions regarding new vaccines and affecting market access. These alterations may also create uncertainty for manufacturers gearing up for vaccine launches and raise concerns about vaccine research and development in the US. Additionally, there is a risk of decreased investment stemming from the perceived politicisation of ACIP’s role or a decline in scientific transparency.
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By GlobalDataIn an open letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on 16 June, the 17 dismissed ACIP experts wrote that their firings, plus recent layoffs of CDC staff dedicated to immunisations, “have left the US vaccine programme critically weakened.”
As the CDC faces potential budget cuts and a reshaped advisory committee, the implications for vaccine safety and public health could be profound. The agency’s ability to effectively monitor and respond to public health needs is crucial, especially as vaccine manufacturers navigate the complexities of production and regulatory compliance. The evolving landscape of vaccine oversight underscores the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that scientific integrity remains at the forefront of public health initiatives.
