Fact Check: "Dr. Kulldorff has previously advised the C.D.C. on vaccine safety."
What We Know
The claim that Dr. Martin Kulldorff has previously advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) on vaccine safety is misleading. While Dr. Kulldorff has been involved in discussions surrounding vaccines and has served on various committees, there is no evidence that he has held a formal advisory role specifically focused on vaccine safety within the C.D.C.
Reports indicate that Dr. Kulldorff was appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in June 2025, which is a significant change from the previous committee members who were dismissed (NPR). However, his past involvement with the C.D.C. does not equate to him having formally advised the agency on vaccine safety matters.
In fact, Dr. Kulldorff has been a prominent figure in vaccine-related discussions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which criticized lockdown measures and questioned the efficacy of certain public health policies (NPR). His previous work has included serving as an expert witness in legal cases against vaccine manufacturers, which raises questions about his impartiality regarding vaccine safety (New York Times).
Analysis
The assertion that Dr. Kulldorff has previously advised the C.D.C. on vaccine safety lacks robust support. While he has been involved in advisory capacities related to vaccines, it is crucial to differentiate between formal advisory roles and informal contributions or opinions. The C.D.C. typically relies on experts with extensive backgrounds in vaccine research and safety for its advisory committees, and Dr. Kulldorff's recent appointment to ACIP does not imply that he has previously held a similar role.
Moreover, the sources discussing his background highlight a pattern of skepticism towards vaccines, particularly in the context of his legal work and public statements. For instance, Dr. Kulldorff has been involved in litigation questioning the safety of vaccines, which complicates his standing as a neutral advisor on vaccine safety (Reuters).
The credibility of the sources reporting on this matter varies. NPR is generally regarded as a reliable news source, while the New York Times and Reuters also maintain journalistic standards. However, the framing of Dr. Kulldorff's past roles can be influenced by the political context surrounding vaccine discussions, especially given the current administration's controversial stance on vaccine policies (CBS News).
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Dr. Kulldorff has previously advised the C.D.C. on vaccine safety is misleading. While he has been appointed to a vaccine advisory committee, there is no evidence of him holding a formal advisory role with the C.D.C. specifically focused on vaccine safety prior to this appointment. His past involvement in vaccine-related discussions has been marked by skepticism and legal challenges against vaccine manufacturers, which further complicates the assertion of him being a straightforward advisor on vaccine safety.
