Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Removes Vaccine Expert Paul Offit from FDA Panel

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. oversaw the removal of pediatrician and vaccine expert Paul Offit from the Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biologics Products Advisory Committee in late August 2025. Offit stated that he had agreed to a third term and submitted the necessary paperwork, but claims the documents were stalled at HHS before his dismissal.

An HHS spokesperson defended the move, stating Offit was one of a dozen members across eight FDA panels notified that their participation ended due to expired terms as special government employees. The removal follows a series of personnel actions by Kennedy, who fired Director Susan Monarez and all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Beyond personnel changes, Kennedy has restricted COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and revoked the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine for children under five. These actions align with a broader shift in vaccine policy under the current HHS leadership.