RFK Jr. adds vaccine skeptics to federal immunization panel, sparking public-health debate

President Kennedy Jr. expanded the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by naming two obstetricians, Kimberly Biss and Adam Urato, who have publicly criticized vaccines during pregnancy. The move signals a broad reshaping of the panel that guides immunization policy and insurer coverage, drawing praise from vaccine skeptics and concern from public-health groups and medical societies that warn it could undermine consensus on vaccine safety and effectiveness. Biss has said she was not anti-vaccine but became so, and Urato has questioned vaccination during pregnancy; both have suggested strong skepticism toward the vaccine industry. The new members are expected to participate in ACIP’s Feb. 25-26 meeting, with officials framing the appointments as adding clinical experience and a commitment to evidence-based medicine.”,