RFK Jr.Reshapes CDC vaccine Advisory Committee with Critical Appointments
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to reshape the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), appointing two new members – both OB/GYNs with publicly expressed concerns regarding vaccine safety, particularly during pregnancy. This move further solidifies Kennedy’s influence over the historically influential committee, following the dismissal of its previous 17 members last June as reported by Healio.
The new appointees are kimberly Biss, MD, practicing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Adam Urato, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist based in Framingham, Massachusetts. both physicians bring a perspective that questions conventional vaccine recommendations, aligning with a broader trend of increased scrutiny surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy.
New Appointees’ Backgrounds and Views
Kimberly Biss,MD,has a distinguished career in obstetrics and gynecology,having served as chief of staff and chair of the OB/GYN department at bayfront Health/Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital,according to HHS. Her concerns center around potential adverse effects of vaccines on women’s health, particularly during and after pregnancy.
Adam Urato,MD,brings extensive academic and clinical experience,with appointments at Harvard Medical School,the University of South Florida,and Tufts University School of Medicine.Dr. Urato has been vocal about the lack of definitive data regarding the safety of multiple vaccines administered during pregnancy,expressing skepticism on his X account. He questioned the recommendations for influenza, Tdap, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines, stating, “CDC & ACOG recommend 4 vaccines in pregnancy: Flu, tdap, RSV, & COVID. My patients often ask: ‘How do we know that all thes vaccines won’t have adverse effects on my baby & me?’ The answer is: ‘We don’t,’” as reported by CIDRAP. He has also raised concerns about the potential risks associated with SSRI use during pregnancy, advocating for stronger FDA warnings.
A Shift in ACIP Direction
With these appointments, the ACIP now comprises 13 voting members, all selected by Kennedy in the past seven months. This represents a significant overhaul of the committee’s composition and signals a potential shift in its recommendations. Kennedy stated, “ACIP serves as Americans’ watchdog for vaccine safety and openness,” and believes Dr. Urato and Dr. Biss possess the “scientific credentials, clinical experience, and integrity this committee requires” according to an HHS press release.
This restructuring comes on the heels of a recent HHS decision to overhaul the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines recommended for children. This decision, made without input from the ACIP, has already sparked controversy and raised concerns among public health experts.
Concerns and Controversy
The appointments of Biss and Urato, coupled with the recent changes to the immunization schedule, have drawn criticism from the medical community. Experts worry that the ACIP’s decisions are increasingly influenced by political considerations rather than scientific evidence as noted by Healio.
specifically, Biss testified in November 2023 before a hearing hosted by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine disrupted menstrual cycles and doubled the miscarriage rate at her practice. However, these claims were refuted by Paul A. Offit, MD, who cited numerous studies demonstrating no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and adverse outcomes.
Moreover, the ACIP’s recent decision to overturn the long-standing recommendation for worldwide hepatitis B vaccination in newborns and to base COVID-19 vaccination recommendations on shared clinical decision-making have been met with skepticism and concern from public health officials.
Looking Ahead
The ACIP, including the newly appointed members, is scheduled to meet again in late February. While the agenda remains undisclosed, the meeting is expected to address critical issues related to vaccine policy and recommendations. The outcome of these discussions will likely have a significant impact on public health initiatives and vaccine confidence in the united states.
