2 members appointed to federal vaccine panel
By: Fernando Cervantes Jr.
USA Today
..... More than six months after the controversial firing and hiring of a federal vaccine panel, Secretary of Heath and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expanded the panel to add two more members, one of whom has described themselves as an "anti-vaxxer."
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Kimberly Biss and Adam Urato, both OB/GYNs who have previously been outspoken critics of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, were appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, according to an HHS announcement on January 13. [2026]
..... For more than 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has relied on this committee, which has historically been an independent expert panel, to establish vaccine recommendations. In June 2025, Kennedy fired all 17 sitting members of the committee and began appointing new members, which included some vaccine skeptics, only a few days later.
..... Both of the newest members have previously contradicted mainstream medical guidance in various appearances on podcasts and at conferences, with Biss describing herself as an "anti-vaxxer," as initially reported by The Washington Post.
..... "ACIP serves as Americans' watchdog for vaccine safety and transparency," Kennedy said in a news release announcing the appointments. "Dr Urato and Dr. Biss bring the scientific credentials, clinical experience, and integrity this committee requires."
..... The appointment come as Kennedy, who also is a longtime vaccine skeptic, has sought to change the country's federal immunization guidance. In early January, [2026] HHS revised its childhood immunization schedule to recommend four fewer vaccines.
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In a statement to USA Today, Michele Slafkosky, executive director for the organization Families Fighting Flu, commented on HHS's revisions, saying, "American children;s lives are now at risk."
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According to HHS, Biss is a physician based in St. Petersburg, Florida, who has held leadership positions at hospitals throughout the state. Her experience also includes clinical education roles, the federal agency said.
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"Prior to COVID, I was not an anti-vaxxer, but I am now because I've gone down the rabbit hole, and I would love to be able someday to meet Robert F. Kennedy Jr,. Biss said during a December 2022 podcast interview.
..... She reiterated those comments in a May 2023 live-streamed panel discussion, saying: "I was not anti-vaccine. I am now."
..... Urato, an BOB/GYN specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, is Harvard-trained with experience practicing in Massachusetts, according to the HHS news release. He has questioned he need for vaccination during pregnancy and also whether Americans are over-vaccinated across the board.
..... Contributing: Sara Moniuszko, USA Today; Reuters