WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), escalating concerns among scientists about political interference in public health.

The sweeping decision marks Kennedy's most dramatic move yet to reshape the country's vaccine oversight system, a role he assumed under President Donald Trump's administration despite his long history of vaccine skepticism. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the firings this week and said the panel is being reconstituted.

"Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda," Kennedy said in a statement.

ACIP plays a critical role in recommending how vaccines should be used after FDA approval, including which populations should receive them. Experts say its guidance directly influences public health programs, insurance coverage, and the CDC's vaccine distribution strategy.

Kennedy criticized the panel as conflicted, claiming it has "never turned down a vaccine." While the FDA decides whether a vaccine can be sold, ACIP's advice determines how it is deployed. The secretary did not offer specific evidence of industry influence among the outgoing members.

The CDC's conflict-of-interest disclosures, updated in March, noted that one member had recused herself from votes on certain vaccines due to her prior involvement in clinical trials. Members are required to declare any conflicts during their tenure.

Still, Kennedy's decision drew sharp criticism from medical professionals and lawmakers. Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the move "a tragedy," warning it would erode public trust. "This is a highly professional group of scientists and physicians... It's the kind of political meddling that will reduce confidence rather than increase it."

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said the action risks worsening vaccine skepticism and undermines decades of health gains. Shares of Moderna and BioNTech dropped more than one percent following the news, while Pfizer was down slightly in after-hours trading.

All 17 ousted members were appointed under former President Joe Biden's administration, and 13 of them were appointed this year, HHS said. Without their removal, the Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority until 2028.

"This is not a political committee; it's never been partisan," said vaccine law expert Dorit Reiss. "It's an expert committee. Presidents have never been involved in ACIP membership."

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and physician who had previously expressed concern about Kennedy's vaccine stance, said on X: "Of course, now the fear is that the ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion."

Kennedy has also reversed longstanding CDC guidance, recently announcing that healthy children and pregnant women are no longer advised to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The administration bypassed ACIP in making that decision.

The CDC's next ACIP meeting is scheduled from June 25 to June 27. Experts say vetting new members usually takes months, and they have expressed doubts that the new committee will be ready in time unless planning has been underway behind the scenes.