Measles Outbreak Spreads as U.S. Health Secretary Fires Entire Vaccination Committee | WPN World People News

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced the dismissal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a decision that has sparked strong backlash within the medical community.

Kennedy, a long-time critic of vaccine policies, is seen as using this sweeping personnel change to signal a clear shift in policy direction.

In an op-ed published in *The Wall Street Journal*, Kennedy claimed that ACIP has long been plagued by "conflicts of interest," which he believes have undermined public trust in vaccine safety. He argued that in order to rebuild that trust and ensure the safety of immunizations, it is necessary to completely replace the committee's members.

The 17 dismissed members include many current clinical physicians and academic experts. Eight of them were appointed in January 2025 by former President Biden. Traditionally, their terms would have lasted until 2028, making this an especially significant shake-up.

In response, Dr. Bruce Scott, President of the American Medical Association, issued a stern protest, stating that the move "dismantles a decision-making body that has been built over years, operating transparently and effectively to save lives." He emphasized that, amid a growing measles outbreak and declining childhood vaccination rates, this action could further weaken the nation’s public health defenses.

As of now, no replacements have been announced. Republican Senator from Louisiana and physician Bill Cassidy also publicly opposed the decision, warning that appointing individuals without proper expertise could pose even greater risks. He added that he will continue to engage with Kennedy in hopes of preventing further deterioration of the situation.