Short Wave RFK Jr.'s New Vaccine Advisors Signal Big Changes
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Jun 30, 2025 
Pien Huang, an NPR public health correspondent specializing in vaccine policy, discusses significant changes within the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Recently, all experienced members were replaced with new ones, raising alarms about misinformation in vaccine discussions. She shares insights from the committee's first meeting, highlighting debates over vaccine safety, including concerns about thimerosal, and the implications for public trust. Huang emphasizes the risks of politicizing vaccine recommendations and its impact on public health.
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ACIP's Role in Vaccine Policy
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shapes vaccine policy and access in the U.S. They influence what vaccines are recommended and covered by insurers.
New ACIP Members Signal Shift
- The new ACIP members include individuals with little vaccine expertise and some known for spreading misinformation. This signals a major shift in U.S. vaccine policy direction.
Thimerosal Debate Revived
- The new ACIP discussed flu vaccine safety despite overwhelming evidence supporting it. They reopened debates on thimerosal, a preservative falsely linked to autism, and voted to limit recommending thimerosal-containing vaccines.