Context:

An advisory panel, recently restructured by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has reversed longstanding recommendations for flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative falsely linked to autism by the anti-vaccine movement. This decision marks a significant shift in federal vaccine policy, reflecting Kennedy's skepticism and raising concerns among critics about the potential unraveling of the established vaccine system. The panel, which includes skeptics of certain vaccines, has faced criticism for questioning the safety of products previously approved by independent experts, and for lacking knowledge about vaccine programs. Controversy arose during discussions on various vaccines, with some panelists expressing unfounded safety concerns, and misinformation being presented at the meetings. Despite opposition, the panel recommended seasonal flu vaccines for all Americans over six months old, and included a new monoclonal antibody for RSV in the children's vaccine program after contentious deliberations.

Dive Deeper:

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed a new advisory panel which rescinded recommendations for flu vaccines containing thimerosal, despite scientific evidence showing its safety. The decision is seen as aligning with Kennedy's long-standing skepticism towards certain vaccines and a move towards a more restrictive vaccine policy.

• The removal of 17 experts and the appointment of new members, many of whom are vaccine skeptics, has raised concerns among public health officials who fear this could undermine decades of established vaccine safety processes.

• During the panel discussions, some members displayed a lack of understanding about vaccine programs, and controversial comments were made about the safety of vaccines, including false claims about thimerosal's toxicity and inaccuracies in data presentations.

• Dr. Cody Meissner, a dissenting voice on the panel, emphasized the greater risk from influenza compared to the nonexistent risk from thimerosal, citing its removal from most childhood vaccines since 2001 as evidence of its safety.

• Controversy arose over a new monoclonal antibody for RSV, with panelists raising baseless safety concerns despite comprehensive reviews by the CDC and FDA confirming its safety. The panel ultimately included it in the children's vaccine program after a divided vote.

• The panel's actions have sparked criticism from vaccine experts and former CDC officials, who warn that misinformation and a lack of expertise could harm public trust in vaccine safety and efficacy.

• Despite the contentious deliberations, the panel recommended that all Americans over six months old receive seasonal flu vaccines, which do not contain thimerosal, indicating a partial adherence to existing public health recommendations.