Meet the 5 New Experts Joining the CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Before Critical Meeting

Just before vaccine advisers from the CDC meet to discuss COVID vaccines, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has added five new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This move follows his removal of previous appointees linked to the Biden administration.

The new committee members are:

• Hilary Blackburn, a pharmacist and podcast host
• Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist
• Dr. Evelyn Griffin, an ob/gyn and functional medicine practitioner
• Dr. Raymond Pollak, a semi-retired transplant surgeon
• Catherine Stein, an epidemiology professor

“These new members bring valuable public health experience,” said Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in vaccines.

With these appointments, the committee now has 12 members. They will impact critical decisions, such as the availability of vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program and recommendations for state laws regarding vaccinations.

This week, the committee will discuss important topics such as who should receive the fall COVID-19 booster and whether babies should get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

In early September, a partial list of the new members appeared in media reports. Some other candidates were not selected, raising questions about the criteria for these appointments. One of the new members, Dr. Pollak, expressed confidence in his ability to contribute, stating that diverse perspectives can enhance policy decisions.

Pollak categorizes COVID vaccines as safe and effective but acknowledges that the rollout was poorly handled, which fueled conspiracy theories and public skepticism. “All information about adverse effects is accessible in medical literature,” he noted.

This shift in the committee reflects a broader trend of politicizing public health advice. Critics, including former committee members, argue that the new composition lacks essential expertise in vaccines and public health policy. Noel Brewer, a former ACIP member, criticized the recent appointments, questioning the qualifications of the new members.

Recent changes have already stirred controversy, such as a vote to limit the use of thimerosal in flu vaccines without new scientific backing. Medical organizations have expressed concern over these developments, warning that misinformation is undermining public trust in health guidance.

Some states, particularly those led by Democratic governors, are reevaluating their dependence on ACIP’s recommendations, fearing they may become influenced by ideology rather than evidence-based science, according to Dennis Worsham, health secretary of Washington State.

As the situation evolves, the committee’s discussions and decisions will have significant implications for public health across the nation.

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