The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has delayed an upcoming meeting of its vaccine advisory committee, which would have marked the group’s first gathering since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed the role of U.S. Health Secretary.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was originally scheduled to convene from February 26-28 to evaluate vaccines for several conditions, including respiratory syncytial virus,
meningococcal disease, and human papillomavirus. According to HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon, the postponement was implemented to allow additional time for public input before the meeting takes place.
Nixon confirmed that while the main meeting faces delays, ACIP workgroups proceeded with their scheduled February sessions and will present their findings when the full committee reconvenes at a later date.
The committee, which regularly meets throughout the year to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness data and develop recommendations for CDC implementation, had this February meeting listed on its calendar since at least October of last year, according to archived web records.
The postponement comes amid heightened attention on Kennedy’s role overseeing vaccine policy, given his previous stance on immunizations. During his confirmation process, Kennedy made specific commitments to Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican physician from Louisiana who expressed reservations about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine history. Kennedy pledged to maintain ACIP’s current structure and operate within existing frameworks for vaccine approval and safety monitoring.
Recent reporting by Politico has revealed that Kennedy is exploring the possibility of removing certain members from advisory panels like ACIP if he identifies conflicts of interest. As HHS Secretary, Kennedy holds authority over ACIP, including the power to select its members. The delayed meeting appears to have been partially influenced by technical issues, as Politico noted that the online portal for submitting public comments ahead of the scheduled meeting was never activated.
The postponement highlights the complex dynamics at play as Kennedy transitions into his role as health secretary. His previous activities included pursuing legal action to restrict vaccination in the United States and working with Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for its vaccine-skeptical positions. These past activities have raised questions about how his leadership might impact established vaccine advisory processes.
Prior to assuming his current position, Kennedy secured crucial support for his confirmation by assuring Senator Cassidy he would preserve existing vaccine oversight structures. Cassidy, who admitted to struggling with Kennedy’s history of anti-vaccine advocacy, has not responded to media requests for comment on the meeting’s postponement.
The delay occurs at a time when vaccine policy continues to be a subject of national discussion and scrutiny. ACIP’s recommendations play a crucial role in shaping U.S. vaccination protocols, as their guidance is typically formalized into official CDC policy. The committee’s deliberations affect public health strategies and influence vaccination practices across the country.
The rescheduling of this significant meeting, coming so soon after Kennedy’s appointment, has drawn attention from healthcare
professionals and policy observers who are closely monitoring how his leadership might affect vaccine policy and public health
recommendations. While the immediate reason for the postponement appears procedural, focused on ensuring adequate public input, the timing has sparked discussions about the future direction of vaccine advisory processes under the new HHS leadership.