RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Advisers Add Hurdle to Getting Covid Shots
RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Advisers Add Hurdle to Getting Covid Shots
In a recent meeting, the CDC vaccine advisers on ACIP voted to recommend that people consult a clinician before getting a coronavirus shot. This is a shift from their previous universal recommendation for people aged 6 months and older. The decision was made in light of the increasing number of adverse reactions reported by individuals who have received the vaccine. This new hurdle aims to ensure that individuals are fully informed and prepared before receiving the shot, and to help healthcare providers monitor and address any potential side effects.
The Importance of Consulting a Clinician
Consulting a clinician before getting a vaccine is an essential step in safeguarding one's health. Not only can clinicians provide personalized guidance based on an individual's medical history and any potential allergies, but they can also educate individuals on the possible side effects of the vaccine. This is especially important for those with pre-existing health conditions or allergies, as well as pregnant women and children. By consulting a clinician, individuals can make an informed decision about whether or not to receive the vaccine, and healthcare providers can closely monitor and address any potential adverse reactions.
The Impact of the New Recommendation
This new recommendation from the CDC vaccine advisers has the potential to significantly impact the number of people receiving the Covid vaccine. While it may add an extra step and potentially delay
About the People Mentioned
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an American politician, environmental lawyer, and author, born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C. He is the third of eleven children of Robert F. Kennedy, the U.S. Attorney General, and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. His family's political legacy includes his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy's early life was marked by personal struggles, including drug addiction, which led to his arrest for heroin possession in 1983. However, he later redirected his life towards environmental advocacy and public service. Kennedy graduated from Harvard University in 1976 with a degree in American history and literature and later earned a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1981. He began his career as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan but soon shifted his focus to environmental law. In 1987, he received a master's degree in environmental law from Pace University, where he taught environmental law from 1986 to 2018 and co-founded the Environmental Litigation Clinic. Notably, Kennedy is the founder of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global clean water advocacy group, and Children's Health Defense, which focuses on childhood chronic diseases and environmental exposures. He has been recognized for his environmental activism, including being named TIME Magazine's "Hero for the Planet" for his efforts in restoring the Hudson River. Kennedy has also been involved in high-profile legal cases against companies like DuPont and Monsanto. In recent years, he has been a vocal figure in vaccine skepticism and public health controversies. In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Kennedy initially ran as an independent candidate before endorsing Donald Trump. Currently, his involvement in public life includes controversial stances on health and environmental issues. Despite these controversies, his work in environmental law and advocacy has had significant impacts on public health and environmental protection.
About the Organizations Mentioned
CDC
The **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** is the premier national public health agency of the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Its primary mission is to protect public health and safety through disease control, injury prevention, and health promotion both nationally and globally[1][8]. Established in 1946 initially as a single "Center for Disease Control," the agency expanded and reorganized in 1980 into multiple specialized centers, reflecting a broader focus beyond infectious diseases to include environmental health, chronic disease, occupational safety, and health education[7]. The CDC comprises various centers and institutes, such as the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), among others. These centers enable the CDC to address a wide array of public health challenges through research, surveillance, policy development, and education[2]. It also plays a key role in emergency preparedness and response, demonstrated notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where its guidance shaped public health actions despite complex political and social dynamics[8]. Key achievements include pioneering epidemiological research, controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases, advancing vaccine safety and immunization programs, and addressing emerging health threats such as obesity and diabetes. The CDC is recognized for disseminating authoritative health information, including the widely cited Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), and for its global collaborations with health organizations worldwide[1][3][8]. Currently, the CDC is undergoing organizational adjustments to focus more intensively on infectious diseases, as part of the 2025 Department of Health and Human Services reorganization. This includes absorbing the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response while shifting some functions like occupational safety to new entities[1]. The agency’s comprehensive approach, backed by science and government funding, positions it as a critical leader in public health innovation, disease prevention, and health security i
ACIP
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a pivotal federal committee within the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that provides expert guidance on vaccine use to control vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. civilian population. Established in 1964 by the U.S. Surgeon General, ACIP develops and regularly updates evidence-based recommendations concerning vaccine administration schedules, dosage, and contraindications for both children and adults. These recommendations, once endorsed by the CDC Director, become official federal policy influencing immunization practices nationwide and affect Medicare and private insurance coverage for vaccines[1][2][6]. ACIP comprises medical and public health experts, including 19 voting members and various work groups specialized in evaluating data on specific vaccines and pathogens. The committee meets approximately three times annually in open sessions that allow public comment, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. Members serve four-year terms and disclose conflicts of interest to maintain integrity in their recommendations[2][4][6]. Key achievements of ACIP include shaping U.S. vaccination policy for decades, notably providing a structured benefit-risk framework during the first year of COVID-19 vaccine administration, which was critical for public health decision-making during the pandemic[8]. The committee’s recommendations have broad implications, as they directly influence vaccine availability, insurance coverage policies, and public health practices. However, in June 2025, the committee experienced significant upheaval when Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 sitting members and largely replaced them with individuals lacking vaccine expertise or holding anti-vaccine views, sparking controversy and concerns about the future of vaccine policy in the U.S.[1][7]. Despite this turbulence, ACIP remains a foundational entity in U.S. immunization strategy, with its expert-driven, evidence-based approach historically central to advancing public health through immunization. Its work continues to be closely followed by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public interested in vaccine science and health policy[
