RFK Jr. anti-vaccine ally dramatically quits CDC panel, complaining of drama

In a dramatic turn of events, a prominent member of the federal vaccine advisory panel has resigned, citing dissatisfaction with internal conflicts. Robert Malone, a former researcher who has become a vocal critic of vaccines, confirmed his departure on Tuesday. His resignation comes amidst ongoing tensions sparked by a disagreement with a spokesperson. Malone's exit follows a series of contentious developments surrounding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Handpicked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Malone served as vice chair after Kennedy dismissed all previous panel members last June. Recently, a federal judge intervened, temporarily blocking Kennedy's appointments to ACIP, including Malone, and halting significant changes proposed to federal vaccine guidelines. The judge's ruling raised serious questions about the legality of Kennedy's actions, which included an overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule conducted without the input of the newly appointed panel. Following the ruling, Malone took to social media, alleging that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had disbanded ACIP and was planning to restructure it without addressing the judge's concerns about the qualifications of its members. However, Malone later clarified his statements, admitting that his earlier claim was based on a misunderstanding. He noted that disbanding ACIP was just one of several options being contemplated, rather than a definitive decision. This resignation and its surrounding drama highlight the ongoing controversies and challenges facing vaccine policy in the current health landscape.