Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as U.S. health and human services secretary, fired the immunization advisory committee, prompting concern from Canadian doctors and scientists. They fear this move will fuel anti-vaccine disinformation, potentially impacting vaccine hesitancy and access in Canada and globally, especially amid current measles outbreaks and concerns over H5N1 avian flu.
Kennedy’s firing of U.S. immunization committee is worrisome, Canadian scientists say
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as U.S. health and human services secretary, fired the immunization advisory committee, prompting concern from Canadian doctors and scientists. They fear this move will fuel anti-vaccine disinformation, potentially impacting vaccine hesitancy and access in Canada and globally, especially amid current measles outbreaks and concerns over H5N1 avian flu.
Trending- 1 During the pandemic: Angela Rasmussen moved to Canada to work at the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.
- 2 May 2025: The Trump administration cancelled a contract with mRNA vaccine manufacturer Moderna to develop a vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including H5N1 avian flu.
- 3 June 9, 2025 (Monday): Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he would appoint new members to the scientific group that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about vaccination.
- 4 June 10, 2025 (Tuesday): Angela Rasmussen commented on the worrisome nature of the move.
- 5 Current: Measles outbreaks are occurring in both the U.S. and Canada.
- The move is expected to foster more false anti-vaccine beliefs and create an environment where anti-vaxx beliefs are more accepted.
- Disinformation could feed vaccine hesitancy among Canadians.
- Canada could experience fallout if the new committee pulls back vaccination recommendations, potentially leading to vaccine shortages.
- The actions are seen as damaging to America's and the world's ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases.
- Current measles outbreaks in both countries highlight the consequences of disinformation.
What: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as the U.S. health and human services secretary, fired the immunization advisory committee and announced plans to appoint new members. This action has raised significant concerns among Canadian doctors and scientists.
When: The firing was announced on Monday (June 9, 2025). Canadian scientists reacted on Tuesday (June 10, 2025). In May (2025), the Trump administration cancelled a contract with Moderna. The article was published on June 11, 2025.
Where: United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Washington D.C. implied). Canada (University of Saskatchewan, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Ontario).
Why: Kennedy, a long-time anti-vaccine advocate, is taking actions seen as dismantling evidence-based public health frameworks. Canadian scientists are worried about the spread of disinformation, increased vaccine hesitancy, potential vaccine shortages, and weakened global pandemic preparedness.
How: Kennedy's direct action of firing the committee members and the Trump administration's previous cuts to research grants and cancellation of vaccine contracts are seen as top-down approaches to dismantle medical research and public health infrastructure.