Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control’s vaccine advisory panel, accusing the panel of “conflicts of interest.” The move was roundly condemned by medical associations and public health experts. Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, said, “Nobody has done more than Secretary Kennedy to sow unwarranted doubt about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and this decision demonstrates a complete lack of caring about the health and safety of every American.” The committee’s recommendations are considered binding and affect which vaccinations must be covered by insurance. Kennedy had vowed to keep the committee in place during his confirmation hearings.