A Republican senator, who leads the committee overseeing health issues, has publicly criticized a vaccine committee selected by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sen. Bill Cassidy, who chairs the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed worries about a “lack of a scientific process” ahead of the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices (ACIP) meeting scheduled for September 18th.
In his statement, Cassidy noted, “Due to the now-announced ACIP meeting, serious allegations have been made concerning the meeting’s agenda, membership, and scientific processes.” He emphasized that decisions affecting children’s health should be approached with caution, stating, “Meetings should not take place until proper monitoring occurs. If the meeting proceeds, recommendations should be deemed illegitimate considering the significant allegations surrounding CDC leadership and the ongoing confusion.”
As of now, HHS has not responded to inquiries for comment.
The ACIP committee is comprised of external scientists focused on evaluating clinical data to inform vaccination recommendations for both children and adults. These recommendations ultimately determine which vaccines are reimbursable under health plans. Notably, the meeting is accessible to the public.
Kennedy Jr. initiated a significant overhaul of the committee in June, dismissing all 17 current members.
Requests for clarity from Cassidy regarding claims about the scientific process have not been answered promptly. According to ACIP guidelines, the committee can include up to 19 members, yet the current roster has just seven individuals.
When Kennedy removed a former ACIP member, he mentioned the importance of addressing ties that existing members have with the pharmaceutical industry. He also criticized appointments made during the Trump administration, suggesting they hindered Biden’s appointees from exercising influence effectively.
Cassidy had previously supported Kennedy’s confirmation amidst a contentious hearing process. In that context, Kennedy had assured senators he wouldn’t change ACIP to secure votes.
While Cassidy’s statement referenced “serious allegations” against Kennedy’s leadership of ACIP, it did not specify the sources or details of these claims. This follows a noteworthy confrontation between Kennedy and CDC Director Susan Monares, though the specifics remain unclear.
Responses from various figures, including Robert Besser, a former acting CDC director, indicate that there is internal tension, with Monares’ responses seemingly indicating she may not endorse every ACIP decision.
Typically, CDC directors adhere to ACIP recommendations, but can choose to override them. An example of this was in late 2021 when then-CDC Director Rochelle Walensky declined to recommend COVID-19 booster shots for healthy adults despite ACIP’s suggestions.
Following the rift, Monales’ attorney declined to provide details on the tensions between Kennedy and Monares. The legal representation involved appears politically complex, with connections to various high-profile figures from different administrations.
In a recent resignation letter, Demetre Daskalakis, the former director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, cited discontent with the changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and ACIP reforms regarding children’s vaccinations as reasons for his departure, claiming he was not adequately informed about these shifts before Kennedy’s announcement.
