Sen. Barrasso Voices Concern Over Vaccine Guidance Under Secretary Kennedy’s Leadership

TL/DR –

Senator John Barrasso has expressed his worry about how Kennedy and the CDC’s vaccine panel are handling recommendations, citing recent measles outbreaks, a lack of trust in health leadership, and public preference for trained health professionals to provide vaccine advice. In response, Kennedy said he plans to increase transparency, provide clear, evidence-based guidance, and restore faith in the CDC by carrying out and discussing observational studies on existing vaccines. He also reformatted the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, replacing all 17 members with his own chosen officials, and the new panel is expected to meet in mid-September.

Sen. John Barrasso Voices Concern Over Vaccine Panel’s Approach

Wyoming’s Republican Senator and physician, John Barrasso, expressed “deep concern” over Secretary Kennedy’s and the CDC’s vaccine panel’s approach to recommendations. He mentioned his skepticism during Kennedy’s confirmation hearing. Barrasso stated, “The public has witnessed measles outbreaks, along with leadership at the National Institute of Health questioning mRNA vaccines use and the recent firing of the CDC director. Americans are left unsure of who to trust.”

Barrasso pointed to polls showing a significant majority, including Trump voters, trusting vaccine advice from “trained physicians, scientists, and public health experts.” He sought clarity on the steps Kennedy would implement to “ensure vaccine guidance is clear, evidence-based, and trustworthy.”

Kennedy responded by pledging commitment to establishing clear, evidence-based, and trustworthy guidance. He noted the agency, under his helm, is revisiting observational studies on current vaccines. The future vaccines would need to substantiate safety.

When Barrasso questioned Kennedy on the safeguards for science-based vaccine recommendations at the forthcoming panel meeting, Kennedy assured, “We’re working on restoring the lost faith in CDC, not through propaganda but by speaking the truth.” He explained transparency would be key in restoring trust in the agency.

In June, Kennedy replaced all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) with his chosen officials. The reconstituted panel is set to convene on Sept. 18 and 19 to discuss updated vaccine recommendations.

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