The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel is gearing up for a meeting next week, but there’s a twist: despite being a frequent target of anti-vaccine groups, their agenda seems to sidestep some hot-button issues. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skeptical stance on vaccines, has new advisers in place, but it’s unclear whether they’ll address the controversies critics expected.

Editor’s Note: This meeting could’ve been a flashpoint in the vaccine debate, but the panel’s apparent avoidance of contentious topics leaves questions hanging. It matters because it hints at how the CDC might navigate political pressures while tackling public health priorities—or whether it’s opting for caution over confrontation. Either way, it’s a peek into the balancing act of science and public trust.

RFK Jr., the new Health Secretary, has chosen several people for a key vaccine advisory panel who have a history of spreading false or misleading claims about vaccines. Critics worry this could undermine public trust in immunization efforts and science-based health policies.

The article highlights that three of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s newly appointed vaccine advisers have previously submitted court statements questioning vaccine safety. Kennedy defends the picks, saying they’ll independently review vaccine data, but critics worry their skepticism could influence national vaccine policies.

The CDC is shaking up its advisory panel lineup, and the new appointees will reportedly sidestep certain hot-button issues while diving into topics often pushed by anti-vaccine groups. Health Secretary Robert F. is involved, though details are still emerging. It’s a move that could signal a shift in priorities—or stir up debate about whose voices are being heard.

Editor’s Note: Advisory panels shape health guidelines millions rely on, so who’s at the table—and what’s not being discussed—matters. If the CDC’s skipping contentious topics or engaging with anti-vaccine talking points, it could mean anything from strategic refocusing to political maneuvering. Either way, it’s worth watching how this influences future health recommendations.

Dr. Fiona Havers, a respected vaccine expert, resigned from the CDC, warning that the agency’s dismissal of scientific advisers could have deadly consequences for Americans. She framed her departure as a moral stand against sidelining evidence-based guidance.

The U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., just made a surprising move by firing and replacing the team responsible for national vaccine recommendations. Science reporter Apoorva Mandavilli breaks down how this shake-up could affect which vaccines get approved—and who can access them.

It turns out a lot of older adults have been onto something by getting vaccinated—new research shows updated vaccines are doing an even better job at shielding seniors from common illnesses, and there’s promising (though still early) evidence they might help reduce dementia risk too.