In a move that’s stirred both political and scientific debate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly reshaped vaccine advisory panel has delivered its first major decision—and it’s one that breaks sharply from long-held medical guidance.
A Clean Sweep and a Fresh Start
Earlier this month, Kennedy removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), replacing them with handpicked individuals—some of whom are vocal vaccine skeptics.
The newly formed panel wasted no time, voting 5-1 to advise Americans to avoid flu shots containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that has long been at the center of conspiracy theories linking it to autism.
Ignoring the Science, Following the Fear
While thimerosal is used in only a small fraction of flu vaccines—less than 5%—the vote still signals a sharp break from decades of scientific research.
Major medical agencies, including the FDA and CDC, have repeatedly confirmed that thimerosal poses no health risk.
Its removal from most childhood vaccines back in the early 2000s was a precautionary move, not one based on proven harm.
Still, one panelist, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, admitted the evidence doesn’t support the panel’s decision.
“There’s no demonstrable harm,” he acknowledged, but added that public fear over mercury should be taken seriously.
A Quiet Rewriting of Vaccine History
Before Thursday’s vote, a CDC report affirming thimerosal’s safety vanished from the panel’s website.
Reports suggest Kennedy’s office blocked its release.
Panel members read it, but the public didn’t see it. Critics say this lack of transparency is alarming.
One former CDC adviser, Dr. Fiona Havers, who recently resigned, called the process a “farce” and said the vote was clearly orchestrated.
“This wasn’t science-based. It was a show,” she said.
Anti-Vaccine Messaging Gains a Foothold
Lyn Redwood, formerly of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense—founded by Kennedy himself—gave a presentation to the panel labeling thimerosal a neurotoxin.
Her slides originally included a nonexistent study and omitted conflict-of-interest disclosures.
Doctors across the U.S. are concerned that this new messaging from a federal panel is fanning the flames of misinformation.
“Selective use of data undermines public trust,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Flu Vaccine Already Avoids Thimerosal
It’s worth noting that thimerosal has already been removed from nearly all childhood vaccines, including most flu shots.
Multi-dose vials from companies like Sanofi and CSL still use it, but even those companies say demand is limited, and thimerosal-free alternatives are widely available.
Dr. Cody Meissner, the lone dissenting vote on the panel, warned that this recommendation could do more harm than good.
“The risk from flu is so much greater than the nonexistent risk from thimerosal,” he argued.
Experts Raise Alarm Over Panel’s Direction
Beyond the flu shot decision, the panel also voted to recommend a new RSV antibody drug for infants whose mothers didn’t receive protection during pregnancy.
That vote passed 5-2, despite safety concerns raised by some panelists.
Panel chair Martin Kulldorff also announced plans to reexamine the entire childhood vaccine schedule, repeating claims often made by anti-vaccine groups that kids today receive too many shots too early—an idea that has been thoroughly debunked by immunologists.
No Director, No Oversight
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the CDC currently has no director.
President Trump’s nominee, Susan Monarez, is still in the confirmation process.
Until then, these ACIP recommendations remain in limbo—pending approval by the CDC or Health and Human Services.
Doctors Push Back, Public Concern Grows
Medical professionals fear that politicized decisions like these could damage public confidence in vaccines.
Already, flu vaccination rates in the U.S. are below 50%, and vaccine skepticism is on the rise.
“This panel isn’t doing science,” said Dr. Jason Goldman of the American College of Physicians.
“It’s repackaging fringe theories as federal guidance, and that’s dangerous.”
What’s Next for the Panel?
In future meetings, Kennedy’s ACIP could revisit vaccines for newborn hepatitis B, potentially pulling back recommendations unless the mother tests positive for the virus.
Pediatricians strongly oppose that idea, noting that infants can be exposed to the virus in other ways, including from infected caregivers.
The panel’s decisions—if adopted—could reshape U.S. vaccine policy in ways not seen in decades.
And many experts warn that public health could suffer the consequences.