On Point | Podcast A former CDC vaccine adviser has words for RFK Jr.
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Jul 29, 2025 Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, shares his insights following controversial changes to the CDC's vaccine advisory panel. He discusses the implications of including members with anti-vaccine views and the historical context of vaccine skepticism. Offit emphasizes the crucial need for transparency in vaccine safety and criticizes the erosion of public trust amidst misinformation. The conversation highlights how these shifts could affect children's health and public policy in America.
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Controversy Over CDC Panel Firing
- Secretary RFK Jr. fired the entire CDC vaccine advisory committee citing conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.
- These claims about conflicts are debatable and have been refuted by inspector general reports and former committee members.
Paul Offit's Conflict Clarification
- Dr. Paul Offit clarified he sold no patents personally on the rotavirus vaccine while serving on the CDC advisory committee.
- His patent was owned by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and he recused himself properly from votes with conflicts.
Managing Conflicts on Panels
- CDC committee members must declare all industry ties and must recuse from votes on products they work on.
- This system protects against conflicts of interest while allowing experts to contribute valuable knowledge.
