Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed all 17 members of the National Vaccine Advisory Board, appointing eight new members in a move he claims is aimed at restoring public trust in vaccines. Critics, however, are concerned about Kennedy’s history with an anti-vaccine group and fear how the board’s direction might change. Dr. Edwin Asturias, a former member, highlighted that the board has a long-standing responsibility to provide recommendations on the use of FDA-approved vaccines, emphasizing that previous members adhered to strict conflict of interest standards. He expressed concern that the recent firings might actually undermine public confidence in vaccines. The new appointees have diverse views on vaccine safety, and although Kennedy criticized former members as being too aligned with pharmaceutical interests, Asturias defended the integrity of their research and decision-making processes.
Source link
