All 17 recently dismissed members of a key U.S. vaccine advisory panel are speaking out — and they’re sounding the alarm.

In a sharply worded essay published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the former members condemned recent actions by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling them “destabilizing decisions” that could roll back decades of public health progress and put Americans at greater risk for preventable diseases.

Their statement comes just days after Kennedy abruptly disbanded the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — the long-standing panel that helps guide national vaccine recommendations — and removed its veteran CDC coordinator, Dr. Melinda Wharton.

A Sudden Overhaul

Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccine mandates and pandemic health policies, announced last week that he would “retire” the entire panel. Two days later, he named eight new members, including a prominent skeptic of COVID-19 vaccines, a vocal opponent of lockdowns, and an individual affiliated with a group widely regarded as a hub for vaccine misinformation.

In response, the former members voiced serious concern:

“These destabilizing decisions, made without clear rationale, may roll back the achievements of U.S. immunization policy, impact people’s access to lifesaving vaccines, and ultimately put U.S. families at risk,” they wrote.

CDC Staff Departures Deepen the Concern

The panel shakeup is just part of a broader exodus from the CDC’s immunization division. In recent weeks, several top experts have either been removed or resigned, including longtime staffers who gathered and presented data for ACIP.

Among those departing: Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, a 12-year CDC veteran. She resigned earlier this month after Kennedy unilaterally reversed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women — a decision made without consulting the advisory panel.

In her farewell note, she wrote:

“My career in public health and vaccinology started with a deep-seated desire to help the most vulnerable… and that is not something I am able to continue doing in this role.”

What Happens Next?

The newly appointed committee is scheduled to meet next week, although no agenda has been released. According to a recent federal notice, the group is expected to vote on vaccine recommendations for flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV, and meningococcal disease.

But with key CDC staff gone and new members stepping in cold, the dismissed experts say the transition could compromise the quality and speed of decision-making.

“Terminating all members and its leadership in a single action undermines the committee’s capacity to operate effectively,” they warned.

Kennedy’s Rationale — and Critics’ Warnings

Kennedy has defended the overhaul, claiming the committee had grown too cozy with pharmaceutical companies and was effectively rubber-stamping vaccine approvals. While ACIP policies require members to disclose past industry ties and recuse themselves from conflicts of interest, Kennedy has dismissed those safeguards as insufficient.

The ACIP has been a fixture in U.S. public health since 1964, offering evidence-based guidance on how FDA-approved vaccines should be used. Its recommendations have shaped everything from pediatric vaccine schedules to emergency pandemic response — and are typically adopted by the CDC director and followed by physicians nationwide.

Whether Kennedy’s sweeping reset will reshape vaccine policy for the better or plunge it into chaos remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: many of the nation’s top vaccine experts are worried — and watching closely.

Source: AP News – Dismissed members of CDC vaccine committee call Kennedy’s actions ‘destabilizing’

The post Dismissed CDC Vaccine Experts Warn of Public Health Risks Under Kennedy appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Winter brings not only cold weather but also a surge in illnesses like flu, COVID-19, norovirus, and RSV. While complete immunity might be impossible, understanding these illnesses and taking precautions can significantly reduce your risk of falling sick.

Why Do Illnesses Surge in Winter?

Winter months see a rise in viral infections for two main reasons:

1. Indoor Crowding: Spending more time indoors increases exposure to germs.
2. Cold, Dry Air: These conditions weaken the body’s natural defenses, making it easier for viruses to spread.

Symptoms: How to Differentiate Common Winter Illnesses

It can be difficult to tell these illnesses apart due to overlapping symptoms, but here’s a breakdown:

• Norovirus: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain lasting 1–3 days. Spread through food, water, or contaminated surfaces.
• Common Cold: Includes runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, and body aches. Lasts less than a week.
• Flu: Symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches come on quickly and may last 3–14 days.
• COVID-19: Can cause fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and body aches. Symptoms vary in severity.
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Leads to congestion, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, fever, and appetite loss, lasting 1–2 weeks.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Winter Viruses

1. Prioritize Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable (except for norovirus, where soap is crucial).

2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

• For norovirus: Use chlorine bleach solutions or EPA-approved disinfectants.
• For colds and flu: Clean frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phones with soap-based cleaning products followed by a sanitizer.
• COVID-19 risk from surfaces is low, but regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene.

3. Avoid Touching Your Face

• Viruses on your hands can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.

4. Cover Your Mouth and Nose

• Use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands immediately after.

5. Consider Masking in Crowded Areas

• Wearing an N95 or medical-grade mask can reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.

6. Get Vaccinated

• Flu Vaccine: Recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Stay up-to-date with the latest booster.
• RSV Vaccine: Available for individuals 60+ and pregnant people.
• No Vaccine for Norovirus or Common Cold: Rely on hygiene and preventive measures.

7. Support Your Immune System

• Rest and get plenty of sleep.
• Stay hydrated and manage stress.

What to Do If You Get Sick

Stay Home

• Avoid spreading illness to others.

Seek Diagnosis

• Test for COVID-19 or flu to determine if antiviral treatments like Paxlovid (for COVID-19) or Tamiflu (for flu) are needed.

Manage Symptoms

• For flu, cold, or COVID-19: Rest, drink fluids, and use over-the-counter medications for fever or aches. Humidifiers can ease congestion.
• For norovirus: Rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich fluids. Seek medical attention if dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness) appear.

Final Thoughts

While the winter surge of illnesses may feel inevitable, simple habits like handwashing, vaccination, and maintaining a strong immune system can make a significant difference. Be proactive and protect yourself and others this season!

Source

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