US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has removed members of Advisory Committee for Immunisation Practices (ACIP). Seventeen people, including those said to have been appointed last-minute by the Biden administration, have been retired.&nbsp;He mentioned that without removing them, the current Trump administration would not be able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028.&nbsp;The vaccine sceptic wrote in his opinion published in Wall Street Journal, “That is why, under my direction, the US Department of Health and Human Services is putting the restoration of public trust above any pro- or antivaccine agenda. The public must know that unbiased science guides the recommendations from our health agencies. This will ensure the American people receive the safest vaccines possible.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we are taking a bold step in restoring public trust by totally reconstituting the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science. The entire world once looked to American health… <a href="https://t.co/hTo7xV4Pke">pic.twitter.com/hTo7xV4Pke</a>&mdash; Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy/status/1932192142748795114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He continued, "The committee has been plagued with persistent conflicts of interest and has become little more than a rubber stamp for any vaccine. It has never recommended against a vaccine—even those later withdrawn for safety reasons. It has failed to scrutinise vaccine products given to babies and pregnant women."&nbsp;"A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science. In the 1960s, the world sought guidance from America’s health regulators, who had a reputation for integrity, scientific impartiality and zealous defence of patient welfare. Public trust has since collapsed, but we will earn it back," he added.&nbsp;The Trump administration has been on a layoff spree, federal employees and many other departments have seen headcounts coming down. Ever since Trump has assumed office for the second term, layoffs and the dissolution of departments have become the norm in America.

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has removed members of Advisory Committee for Immunisation Practices (ACIP). 

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has removed members of Advisory Committee for Immunisation Practices (ACIP). Seventeen people, including those said to have been appointed last-minute by the Biden administration, have been retired. He mentioned that without removing them, the current Trump administration would not be able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028. The vaccine sceptic wrote in his opinion published in Wall Street Journal, “That is why, under my direction, the US Department of Health and Human Services is putting the restoration of public trust above any pro- or antivaccine agenda. The public must know that unbiased science guides the recommendations from our health agencies. This will ensure the American people receive the safest vaccines possible.”

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has removed members of Advisory Committee for Immunisation Practices (ACIP).&nbsp;

US Health Secy Robert F Kennedy Jr sacks vaccine committee, here's why

The Trump administration on Friday (Feb 14) dismissed nearly half of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a storied unit of epidemiologists known as the nation's "disease detectives."&nbsp;
The move, which comes as bird flu fears intensify, has sparked alarm among health experts, who say they're "so angry" by the move.
<h2>Trump firings &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
The mass layoffs are part of broader efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to downsize federal agencies and come as newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed a sweeping overhaul of national health institutions.
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<h2>'I'm so angry' &mdash; CDC insiders sound the alarm</h2>
Speaking to AFP, a senior epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "I'm so angry".
The senior staff member cautioned, "We're on the verge of potentially another pandemic and we're firing the people who have probably more expertise than anyone else in the country collectively".
The layoffs, first reported by CBS News, reportedly mainly target employees still within their probationary period, a window in which federal workers can be dismissed more easily. In total, nearly 1,300 CDC employees&mdash;roughly 10 per cent of the agency's workforce&mdash;were let go. &nbsp;
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<h2>Who are 'disease detectives'?</h2>
'Disease detectives' is the name given to epidemiologists of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS).
Founded in 1951, the EIS has been on the frontlines of major outbreaks, from smallpox eradication efforts to the first Ebola cases in Africa and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers, recruited through a rigorous selection process, consist of doctors, nurses, scientists and more. Some of them are stationed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, others are deployed across the country.
Several CDC chiefs have begun their careers as part of the elite EIS.
The 2024 EIS class was informed on Friday that termination emails would be sent that afternoon. The 2023 class remains under review. There are around 140 officers across both classes.
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Around 30 officers, of both classes, were hired via the US Public Health Service, and are currently unaffected, reports AFP.&nbsp;
"Without those officers we would not have eliminated smallpox from the globe," the CDC epidemiologist said. "We had people fanning across countries, wading through mud and navigating rivers on boats to eliminate smallpox." &nbsp;
This comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was formally appointed the Health Secretary on Friday. RFK Jr has long been vocal about his distrust of infectious disease research. He recently suggested pausing such studies for eight years to prioritise chronic conditions instead. Kennedy has also questioned widely accepted medical science, challenging the role of germs in disease transmission and disputing the link between HIV and AIDS.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | The Trump administration's decision to dismiss nearly half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service raises serious concerns among health experts as bird flu fears grow.

The Trump administration on Friday (Feb 14) dismissed nearly half of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a storied unit of epidemiologists known as the nation's "disease detectives." The move, which comes as bird flu fears intensify, has sparked alarm among health experts, who say they're "so angry" by the move. Trump firings The mass layoffs are part of broader efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to downsize federal agencies and come as newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed a sweeping overhaul of national health institutions. Also read | Robert F. Kennedy Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief 'I'm so angry' — CDC insiders sound the alarm Speaking to AFP, a senior epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "I'm so angry". The senior staff member cautioned, "We're on the verge of potentially another pandemic and we're firing the people who have probably more expertise than anyone else in the country collectively". The layoffs, first reported by CBS News, reportedly mainly target employees still within their probationary period, a window in which federal workers can be dismissed more easily. In total, nearly 1,300 CDC employees—roughly 10 per cent of the agency's workforce—were let go. Also read | ‘We will create NATO in Ukraine’: Zelensky on NATO ambitions, Trump’s personal number, and more Who are 'disease detectives'? 'Disease detectives' is the name given to epidemiologists of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). Founded in 1951, the EIS has been on the frontlines of major outbreaks, from smallpox eradication efforts to the first Ebola cases in Africa and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers, recruited through a rigorous selection process, consist of doctors, nurses, scientists and more. Some of them are stationed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, others are deployed across the country. Several CDC chiefs have begun their careers as part of the elite EIS. The 2024 EIS class was informed on Friday that termination emails would be sent that afternoon. The 2023 class remains under review. There are around 140 officers across both classes. Also read | Trump-Modi 'bromance' in focus as US President gifts Indian PM THIS sentimental present Around 30 officers, of both classes, were hired via the US Public Health Service, and are currently unaffected, reports AFP. "Without those officers we would not have eliminated smallpox from the globe," the CDC epidemiologist said. "We had people fanning across countries, wading through mud and navigating rivers on boats to eliminate smallpox." This comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was formally appointed the Health Secretary on Friday. RFK Jr has long been vocal about his distrust of infectious disease research. He recently suggested pausing such studies for eight years to prioritise chronic conditions instead. Kennedy has also questioned widely accepted medical science, challenging the role of germs in disease transmission and disputing the link between HIV and AIDS. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns rise

The US Senate kicked off the confirmation hearing for Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Wednesday (29 January).
If confirmed, the 71-year-old environmental lawyer, who is known for his controversial stance on vaccines, will be responsible for overseeing the country&rsquo;s vast $1.8 trillion healthcare system.
Trump's top health official pick, Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one."
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He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation and is committed to "restoring the American dream", and making America healthy again (MAHA). 
"This movement... is one of the most powerful and transcendent I&rsquo;ve ever seen," he added.
&ldquo;News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,&rdquo; Kennedy said.
The hearing began with opening statements during which Republican Senator Mike Crapo praised the health secretary nominee's accessibility, saying that he's demonstrated "strong commitment" to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.
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Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden accused RFK Jr. of having "embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans" in his time "particularly over vaccines". He accused RFK Jr. of caring more about "chasing money and influence" than protecting the lives of children and vulnerable people.
<h2>Democratic Senator Mike Crapo asks RFK Jr four obligatory questions:&nbsp;</h2>
"Are you aware of any conflicts of interest?" Kennedy replied, "No."
Is there any reason which would prevent you from discharging your duties? Kennedy replied, "No."
Will you respond to any reasonable summons? Kennedy replied, "Yes."
Will you provide a prompt response to questions addressed to you? Kennedy replied, "Yes."
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RFK Jr's cousin, Caroline Kennedy, strongly criticised his nomination in a letter to senators obtained by The Washington Post. She accused him of hypocrisy, writing that he was a &ldquo;predator&rdquo; who had privately vaccinated his&nbsp;own children while publicly encouraging vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chairman of the health committee, also expressed reservations about Kennedy&rsquo;s views. As a physician, Cassidy said he had engaged in &ldquo;a frank conversation&rdquo; with Kennedy earlier in the month, specifically discussing vaccine policies. However, he remained undecided about whether to support Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee.
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;m still working through it,&rdquo; Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. &ldquo;I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide&nbsp;my&nbsp;decision.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump's top health official pick Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one." He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation.

The US Senate kicked off the confirmation hearing for Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Wednesday (29 January). If confirmed, the 71-year-old environmental lawyer, who is known for his controversial stance on vaccines, will be responsible for overseeing the country’s vast $1.8 trillion healthcare system. Trump's top health official pick, Robert F Kennedy Jr, said, "Healthy people have 1,000 dreams, while a sick person has only one." Also read: Hamas claims delay in aid delivery to Gaza; Israel denies, calls it 'fake news' He added Trump has "genuine care" for the situation and is committed to "restoring the American dream", and making America healthy again (MAHA). "This movement... is one of the most powerful and transcendent I’ve ever seen," he added. “News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” Kennedy said. The hearing began with opening statements during which Republican Senator Mike Crapo praised the health secretary nominee's accessibility, saying that he's demonstrated "strong commitment" to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role. Also read: Israel confirms receiving list of three Gaza hostages to be freed on Jan 30 Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden accused RFK Jr. of having "embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans" in his time "particularly over vaccines". He accused RFK Jr. of caring more about "chasing money and influence" than protecting the lives of children and vulnerable people. Democratic Senator Mike Crapo asks RFK Jr four obligatory questions: "Are you aware of any conflicts of interest?" Kennedy replied, "No." Is there any reason which would prevent you from discharging your duties? Kennedy replied, "No." Will you respond to any reasonable summons? Kennedy replied, "Yes." Will you provide a prompt response to questions addressed to you? Kennedy replied, "Yes." Also read: What federal workers should know about Trump's ‘deferred resignation’ offer for govt employees? RFK Jr's cousin, Caroline Kennedy, strongly criticised his nomination in a letter to senators obtained by The Washington Post. She accused him of hypocrisy, writing that he was a “predator” who had privately vaccinated his own children while publicly encouraging vaccine hesitancy among parents. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chairman of the health committee, also expressed reservations about Kennedy’s views. As a physician, Cassidy said he had engaged in “a frank conversation” with Kennedy earlier in the month, specifically discussing vaccine policies. However, he remained undecided about whether to support Donald Trump’s nominee. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts “I’m still working through it,” Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday. “I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.” (With inputs from agencies)

RFK Jr denies being ‘anti-vaccine’ in Senate confirmation hearing for Trump’s health czar

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented&nbsp;Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26). Shanahan, who is the&nbsp;ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has never been in the limelight and has never before run for political office.&nbsp;

Kennedy Jr. (aka RFK Jr.), best known for his anti-Covid vaccine stance and public health conspiracies, is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming US presidential elections. Choosing a running mate is a prerequisite to be on the ballot in several states.&nbsp;

Here’s everything you need to know about Nicole Shanahan:

<h2>Nicole Shanahan: Wealthy lawyer and tech entrepreneur with a bare social media presence joins the VP race</h2>

Kennedy Jr.’s VP pick of Shanahan came as a wild card as the attorney doesn’t have any kind of public persona and is generally interested in niche policy issues like regenerative agriculture and gut biomes that rarely strike a chord with the commoners. But Shanahan’s abundant wealth can be of immense help for Kennedy Jr.

Born and raised in California, Nicole Shanahan is an American tech entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist&nbsp;who has a compelling rags-to-riches story of wealth and success. In one of her interviews with People magazine, she described her childhood as “very hard”. Her mother worked as a maid and accountant after her father passed away after suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

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Shanahan attended the National University of Singapore and Santa Clara University School of Law. After practising law at various firms, she became the founder and CEO of a legal tech company called ClearAccessIP, based in Palo Alto. She later sold the company to a competitor IPwe in 2020.&nbsp;

After this, she invested in a biotech firm, LinusBio, and joined the board of Extreme Tech Challenge in 2023.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after all these years of investments, she also established her private foundation, Bia-Echo in 2018.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2024: Race for white house heats up

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In 2022, Shanahan's then-husband, Sergey Brin, donated at least $23 million in shares of Alphabet (Google's parent company) to Bia-Echo. In 2019, Shanahan pledged to contribute $100 million over five years; mostly for research in reproductive longevity (programmes that help women become pregnant later in life).

Shanahan has made donations and contributions to political parties in the past as well. Like, during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Shanahan contributed $2800 each to the campaigns of Marianne Willaimson and Pete Buttigieg.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-joins-hands-with-god-bless-the-usa-singer-lee-greenwood-to-sell-60-bibles-704648">Trump is selling $60 Bibles in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood. Here's why</a>

She also co-hosted a fundraiser for Buttigieg in December 2019, along with other wealthy Silicon Valley figures. After Joe Biden became the presumptive nominee, she supported the Biden presidential campaign, contributing $25,000 to the Biden Victory Fund.

In recent months, Shanahan&nbsp;emerged as a prominent supporter of Kennedy's campaign, financially backing his polarizing Super Bowl commercial, which mimicked a classic John F. Kennedy campaign advertisement, drawing criticism from Kennedy family members.

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Shanahan contributed $4 million to the Super PAC responsible for the ad, stating to the New York Times her belief in the potential to spotlight Kennedy's candidacy and her alignment with his positions on environmental issues and vaccinations. 
&nbsp; 
Her candidacy for vice president was reported by Mediaite on March 16 which was later confirmed by Kennedy on March 26.

(With inputs from agencies)

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26).

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26). Shanahan, who is the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has never been in the limelight and has never before run for political office. Kennedy Jr. (aka RFK Jr.), best known for his anti-Covid vaccine stance and public health conspiracies, is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming US presidential elections. Choosing a running mate is a prerequisite to be on the ballot in several states. Here’s everything you need to know about Nicole Shanahan: Nicole Shanahan: Wealthy lawyer and tech entrepreneur with a bare social media presence joins the VP race Kennedy Jr.’s VP pick of Shanahan came as a wild card as the attorney doesn’t have any kind of public persona and is generally interested in niche policy issues like regenerative agriculture and gut biomes that rarely strike a chord with the commoners. But Shanahan’s abundant wealth can be of immense help for Kennedy Jr. Born and raised in California, Nicole Shanahan is an American tech entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist who has a compelling rags-to-riches story of wealth and success. In one of her interviews with People magazine, she described her childhood as “very hard”. Her mother worked as a maid and accountant after her father passed away after suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Also Read | Biden says he commuted over Baltimore bridge by train 'many times'. The problem? It has no rail tracks! Shanahan attended the National University of Singapore and Santa Clara University School of Law. After practising law at various firms, she became the founder and CEO of a legal tech company called ClearAccessIP, based in Palo Alto. She later sold the company to a competitor IPwe in 2020. After this, she invested in a biotech firm, LinusBio, and joined the board of Extreme Tech Challenge in 2023. Meanwhile, after all these years of investments, she also established her private foundation, Bia-Echo in 2018. Watch | US Presidential Elections 2024: Race for white house heats up × In 2022, Shanahan's then-husband, Sergey Brin, donated at least $23 million in shares of Alphabet (Google's parent company) to Bia-Echo. In 2019, Shanahan pledged to contribute $100 million over five years; mostly for research in reproductive longevity (programmes that help women become pregnant later in life). Shanahan has made donations and contributions to political parties in the past as well. Like, during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Shanahan contributed $2800 each to the campaigns of Marianne Willaimson and Pete Buttigieg. Also Read | Trump is selling $60 Bibles in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood. Here's why She also co-hosted a fundraiser for Buttigieg in December 2019, along with other wealthy Silicon Valley figures. After Joe Biden became the presumptive nominee, she supported the Biden presidential campaign, contributing $25,000 to the Biden Victory Fund. In recent months, Shanahan emerged as a prominent supporter of Kennedy's campaign, financially backing his polarizing Super Bowl commercial, which mimicked a classic John F. Kennedy campaign advertisement, drawing criticism from Kennedy family members. Also Read | Moscow concert hall attack: Russia detains eighth suspect amid torture concerns Shanahan contributed $4 million to the Super PAC responsible for the ad, stating to the New York Times her belief in the potential to spotlight Kennedy's candidacy and her alignment with his positions on environmental issues and vaccinations. Her candidacy for vice president was reported by Mediaite on March 16 which was later confirmed by Kennedy on March 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Nicole Shanahan? Robert Kennedy Jr's vice president pick is ex-wife of Google founder Brin

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Saturday (July 15) slammed the allegations of racism and anti-Semitism after he reportedly claimed that Covid might have been "ethnically targetted" to spare the Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Saturday (July 15) slammed the allegations of racism and anti-Semitism after he reportedly claimed that Covid might have been "ethnically targetted" to spare the Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. According to a report by the New York Post, Kennedy addressed a press event in New York City on Tuesday where he said, "COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately." "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese," he added, as per the report. Facing severe backlash, Kennedy tweeted on Saturday that the story by the New York Post was mistaken, and he never suggested Covid was targetted to spare Jews. The @nypost story is mistaken. I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the U.S. and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 15, 2023 × "I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the US and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews," he tweeted. "In that sense, it serves as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons," Kennedy further said and shared a link to the study. A reputation as an anti-vaxxer Kennedy had built a reputation as an anti-vaxxer even before the Covid pandemic started. According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), he was among 12 people responsible for the majority of Covid conspiracy theories online. The CCDH analysed over 800,000 anti-vaccine posts shared on Facebook and Twitter between February 1 and March 16, 2021. The centre found that 65 per cent of this content could be attributed to the "disinformation dozen". On Facebook alone, the CCDH found that those 12 people were responsible for 73 per cent of the anti-vaccine content on the platform. Democrat slams Kennedy: Remarks 'amplify sinister and unfounded notions...' Marianne Williamson, another Democratic presidential hopeful, strongly denounced Kennedy's remarks on Tuesday. "Whether intentionally or not, his remarks amplify sinister and unfounded notions that are both anti-Semitic and anti-Chinese," Williamson tweeted late Saturday. Kennedy’s “I’m only asking questions” use of the most anti-Semitic tropes is unacceptable. As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need… — Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) July 15, 2023 × "As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need desperately to unite," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Robert Kennedy Jr denies that his remarks on ‘ethnically targeted' Covid were racist