Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made significant changes to the main federal vaccine advisory board by appointing two new members. This move is part of a series of changes that have stirred controversy and disrupted the usual processes for vaccine policy.
The two new members added to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are OB-GYNs who have expressed skepticism towards mainstream vaccine science. Currently, an ACIP working group is reviewing the vaccines recommended for women during pregnancy.
Kimberly Biss, one of the appointees, has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, including the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite evidence supporting the use of vaccines, Biss has focused on the alleged effects of the Covid-19 vaccine on women, suggesting it may cause infertility and harm during pregnancy. On the other hand, Adam Urato, the other new member, is a maternal-fetal medicine doctor who has displayed similar vaccine skepticism on social media platforms.
While these new members may not drastically alter the committee’s overall composition, their appointment signifies a continued trend towards vaccine skepticism within the group. Both Urato and Biss have not responded to requests for comment on their appointments.
Kennedy’s reshaping of the ACIP involves replacing members who served during the previous administration and making decisions that diverge from established medical and public health consensus. One of the most significant changes occurred when health officials, under an executive order from President Trump, downgraded recommendations for several childhood vaccines, making the U.S. an outlier among peer nations.
Adam Urato has a history of challenging the medical establishment, particularly regarding the FDA’s approval of certain drugs. While he has not made extensive public statements about vaccines, his social media posts indicate a leaning towards vaccine skepticism, especially concerning pregnant women.
Kimberly Biss has also demonstrated a lack of trust in the pharmaceutical and medical industry. She is affiliated with the Independent Medical Alliance and has supported new vaccine policies implemented by the Trump administration. Biss has shared concerns about the alleged dangers of Covid-19 vaccines and has advocated for further studies to understand potential harms.
Overall, the addition of Urato and Biss to the ACIP reflects a broader trend towards vaccine skepticism within the committee. These appointments raise questions about the future direction of federal vaccine policy and the impact on public health decision-making.
