RFK Jr. boots all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee
The Department of Health and Human Services is removing all 17 members of a key advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the move on Monday afternoon in an opinion piece published by The Wall Street Journal. He also announced plans to put new committee members in place.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices plays a key role in setting national vaccine policy, including the schedule of routine vaccines for children and adults. The gutting of the current committee removes an important check on changes in the administration’s approach to vaccine policy.
“A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science,” Kennedy said in the press release quoting the op-ed. “ACIP new members will prioritize public health and evidence-based medicine. The Committee will no longer function as a rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas.”
Kennedy previously claimed that the ACIP committee members have serious conflicts of interests, but a key government report he cited to back up the claim shows they do not, as NPR reported.
The American Medical Association said Kennedy’s decision undermines “trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives.”
‘Not for sale’: massive protest in Copenhagen against Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland
Thousands of people rallied in Copenhagen to push back on President Trump's rhetoric that the U.S. should acquire Greenland.
Uganda’s longtime leader declared winner in disputed vote
Museveni claims victory in Uganda's contested election as opposition leader Bobi Wine goes into hiding amid chaos, violence and accusations of fraud.
Opinion: Remembering Ai, a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee
We remember Ai, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who lived at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University for most of her life, except the time she escaped and walked around campus.
The near death — and last-minute reprieve — of a trial for an HIV vaccine
A trial was about to launch for a vaccine that would ward off the HIV virus. It would be an incredible breakthrough. Then it looked as if it would be over before it started.
Is RFK Jr.’s Administration for a Healthy America — AHA — in the works or not?
The Administration for a Healthy America is RFK Jr.'s plan to tackle chronic disease, addiction and other persistent problems. But so far it's not being set up like previous new agencies.
Bessemer data center developer to request rezoning for additional 900 acres
The city’s attorney informed council members of the request on Tuesday, warning that there may be media scrutiny.
