Republicans backpedaling on public health.29 Aug 2025 20:37
The upcoming Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) meeting on September 18-19, 2025, will discuss and potentially vote on vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella). This meeting follows significant changes in ACIP membership, with new members appointed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., some of whom hold anti-vaccine views.
Recent turmoil at the CDC, including the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the meeting. Senator Bill Cassidy has called for the meeting's postponement, citing serious allegations regarding the agenda and the scientific process. He argues that any recommendations made should be considered illegitimate due to the current chaos within the CDC leadership!
Something of a turnaround for Cassidy, who now appears to realise his huge mistake. Some Republicans are fearing the monster they've created. Cassidy has supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the past. Cassidy played a role in Kennedy's confirmation as HHS Secretary and has publicly expressed his support for Kennedy's approach to vaccine recommendations. However, Cassidy has also emphasised the importance of maintaining scientific integrity and oversight in the decision-making processes related to vaccines, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding the CDC and ACIP.
Talk about trying to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted!!