Fact Check: "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new group of eight outside vaccine advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023, which includes Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, Dr. Retsef Levi, and Dr. Robert Malone."
What We Know
In June 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced a new slate of eight members for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC. This announcement came shortly after he removed all 17 existing members of the committee, a move described as unprecedented (NPR). The new appointees include Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, Dr. Retsef Levi, and Dr. Robert Malone, among others (CIDRAP).
The selection of these individuals has raised concerns among public health advocates, with critics suggesting that the new members may not possess the necessary expertise in vaccines and could potentially lean towards a more skeptical view of vaccination (NPR). Kennedy himself stated that the appointments were intended to restore public trust in vaccines and emphasized that the new members would demand rigorous safety and efficacy data before making recommendations (CIDRAP).
Analysis
The claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new group of eight outside vaccine advisers, including Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, Dr. Retsef Levi, and Dr. Robert Malone, is supported by multiple credible sources. The announcement was widely reported, confirming the inclusion of these specific individuals in the new advisory group (NPR; CIDRAP).
However, the reliability of the sources reporting this information varies. NPR and CIDRAP are reputable news organizations known for their health reporting, while some opinions expressed in the articles reflect concerns from public health experts about the implications of Kennedy's choices. Critics argue that the new appointees may represent a shift towards skepticism regarding vaccines, which could undermine public health efforts (NPR; New York Times).
The announcement's timing and the removal of the previous committee members have also been scrutinized, suggesting a lack of transparency in the selection process (CBS News). This context adds complexity to the claim, as it highlights potential biases in the newly formed advisory group.
Conclusion
The claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new group of eight outside vaccine advisers to the CDC, including Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, Dr. Retsef Levi, and Dr. Robert Malone, is True. The announcement has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources, and the specific individuals mentioned in the claim were indeed included in the new advisory group. However, the implications of these appointments and the surrounding controversy indicate a significant shift in the advisory committee's composition and focus.
