Chicago-area medical experts concerned about possible return of childhood diseases after RFK Jr. fires CDC ACIP
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Medical professionals in the Chicago area are expressing their opinions after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the entire panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tasked with making vaccine recommendations.

Local doctors, especially pediatricians, are concerned about the return of many childhood diseases.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Pediatricians at the Northwestern Children’s Practice are so assured of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that they accept only vaccinated patients in their Chicago facility.

“We feel that it is the most important thing we do to keep kids healthy,” said Dr. Scott Goldstein, with Northwestern Children’s Practice.

Goldstein mentions that throughout his career, he has relied on the guidance from the CDC’s 17-member vaccine advisory committee, called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

On Monday, Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, fired the entire panel.

“The very act of getting rid of them and replacing them at all, you’re giving parents less confidence in something that they should have every confidence in,” Goldstein said.

The panel was made up of vaccine experts that included researchers, physicians, pediatricians and nurses.

“It’s the gold standard for vaccine recommendations for the United States and probably for most of the world,” said Dr. Richard Novak, retired University of Illinois Chicago infectious diseases chief.

Novak spent his career working on vaccines. He says the CDC committee was impartial, and only made recommendations based on years of scientific data. Novak says typical vaccines take about 30 years to develop.

“They’re very well-vetted. We have tons and tons of safety data, particularly about the vaccines that we use every day and have used for decades,” Novak said.

For the safety and health of the public, Novak and fired committee members hope Kennedy chooses experts to serve on the new committee.

But, Dr. Noel Brewer, a terminated member, told ABC News he fears Kennedy will not.

“I’ve heard a few names nominated; I assume they will have the same level of vaccine skepticism as the secretary,” Brewer said.

The CDC’s advisory committee is scheduled to meet June 25.

The Department of Health and Human Services says the meeting will go on as planned. It is not known when Kennedy will name new members.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Dalai Lama lays out succession plan, pledging reincarnation as China eyes interference

Dalai Lama Reveals Future Succession Strategy Amidst China’s Intent to Intervene

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has declared that the long-standing institution…
Robots are taking over Uber Eats deliveries. Is your city next?

Robots are starting to handle Uber Eats deliveries. Will they be coming to your city soon?

If you’ve ordered food on Uber Eats recently, you may have seen…
Jake Lang Release from DC Jail

Uncovering the True Identity of Jake Lang

Unaware to many, my investigation into the man many view as the…
Pentagon's weapons pause to Ukraine could ‘encourage’ and ‘escalate’ Putin’s war ambitions: security experts

Pentagon’s Halt on Arms to Ukraine May ‘Fuel’ and ‘Intensify’ Putin’s War Intentions: Security Specialists

The Pentagon’s choice to suspend the air defense systems it had previously…
Mexican navy ship that slammed into Brooklyn Bridge may return to New York next year

Mexican Naval Vessel That Collided with Brooklyn Bridge Could Visit New York Again Next Year

The ill-fated Mexican tall ship that collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in…
Watch What Happens on the House Floor After Speaker Johnson Announces OBBB Passage

See What Unfolds on the House Floor Following Speaker Johnson’s Announcement of OBBB Approval

During C-SPAN’s broadcast, Johnson revealed the final vote count in the House,…
Donald Trump being helped off stage at a campaign event.

Iran’s ‘ancient’ fatwa calling for Trump to be CRUCIFIED may incite domestic terror threats in the West, warn leading politicians

IRAN’S “medieval” regime demanding Donald Trump be crucified could provoke “homegrown terrorist…
Is Target open on the 4th of July? Costco? Starbucks?

Target, Costco, and Starbucks: Independence Day Hours and Closures

Although some stores might have shortened hours, there are still opportunities for…
3 struck by lightning on St. Pete Beach

Lightning Strikes Three People on St. Pete Beach

A 17-year-old girl was transported to Tampa General Hospital as a trauma…

Stitched with Honor: Flag Manufacturer Prepares for Nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

Kansas City, MO – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary…
Large plume of smoke billowing near parked cars.

Massive Explosion Rocks Rome Petrol Station, Injuring Over 21 People

A HORRIFYING incident unfolded as a petrol station in Rome erupted into…
What's open and closed on July Fourth

July Fourth: What Is Open and What Is Closed?

The Fourth of July holiday, also recognized as Independence Day, commemorates the…