RFK Jr. Overhauls Vaccine Advisory Board

September 16, 2025 • by DailyClout

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday the appointment of five new members to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory panel, a move that could significantly alter federal vaccination policy.

The newly appointed members will join the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) during its upcoming meeting this week, where the panel will review guidance on vaccines for hepatitis B, MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella), and COVID-19.

A Revamped CDC Vaccine Committee

In June, Kennedy dismissed all 17 members of the ACIP and downsized the group to 12 members. The decision marked a dramatic overhaul, bringing in figures who have previously questioned aspects of mRNA technology, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and childhood vaccination schedules.

The five new members are:

Kirk Milhoan – Pediatric cardiologist who has studied myocarditis cases linked to COVID-19 vaccines and previously supported controversial COVID-19 treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin.
Catherine Stein – Epidemiologist at Case Western Reserve University who opposed campus vaccine mandates in 2022.
Hilary Blackburn – Pharmacist from Missouri and daughter-in-law of Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Raymond Pollak – Semi-retired transplant surgeon with a background in immunology.
Evelyn Griffin – Louisiana-based obstetrician who has criticized COVID-19 vaccine mandates, calling them “a line in the sand.”

Why This Matters

The CDC vaccine advisory panel plays a critical role in shaping national immunization recommendations. From routine childhood vaccines to adult boosters and COVID-19 policies, its guidance directly influences both state-level mandates and federal health initiatives.

By appointing new members who have expressed skepticism about vaccine mandates and certain COVID-19 policies, Kennedy is signaling a shift in the direction of U.S. public health policy—one that could challenge long-standing vaccination frameworks.

What’s Next

The panel’s upcoming meeting is expected to be closely watched as it revisits guidance on:

Hepatitis B vaccines
MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella)
COVID-19 boosters and distribution

Observers say the decisions made at this session could reshape vaccine policy nationwide, affecting schools, employers, and healthcare systems.

Key Takeaway

The CDC vaccine advisory panel changes under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. represent one of the most significant shake-ups in U.S. public health leadership in decades. With five new members now seated, the committee’s upcoming rulings could redefine how vaccines are recommended—and resisted—across America.

DailyClout.IO will continue to follow this story. Follow Naomi Wolf on Substack for exclusive videos and essays.

Spread the Word