Context:

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the CDC's vaccine advisory panel, citing conflicts of interest, and quickly appointed new members who are prominent critics of the government's Covid-19 response. Among the eight new appointees are Dr. Robert Malone, known for his work on mRNA technology, and Dr. Martin Kulldorff, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration on herd immunity. The reassembled panel is tasked with requiring comprehensive safety and efficacy data before making vaccine recommendations, including reviewing current vaccine schedules. The new members come from diverse backgrounds, including federal health agencies and academia, with a focus on evidence-based medicine. This overhaul reflects a shift towards addressing the critics of mRNA vaccines and ensuring rigorous evaluation of vaccine policies.

Dive Deeper:

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the entire CDC vaccine advisory panel due to alleged conflicts of interest, and within days, appointed eight new members who have been vocal critics of the existing Covid-19 vaccine strategies.

• Dr. Robert Malone, who contributed to early mRNA technology development but later criticized its use in Covid-19 vaccines, is among the new appointees, indicating a shift towards scrutinizing current mRNA vaccine recommendations.

• Dr. Martin Kulldorff, known for advocating herd immunity through the Great Barrington Declaration, joins the panel, reflecting a potential move towards alternative Covid-19 response strategies.

• The panel's mandate now includes demanding definitive safety and efficacy data for new vaccines and reassessing existing vaccine schedules, highlighting a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

• Other new members, such as Dr. James Pagano and Dr. Retsef Levi, bring expertise from various medical and academic backgrounds, reinforcing the panel's focus on rigorous scientific evaluation.

• The changes in the advisory panel come amidst a backdrop of ongoing debate over the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the safety of mRNA vaccines.

• Several of the newly appointed members, including Dr. Cody Meissner and Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, have previously served on federal health committees, bringing experience in public health policy and vaccine evaluation.