Robert Malone resigns from ACIP panel after judge blocks work

Dr. Robert Malone, vice chair of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has resigned his position after a federal judge blocked the committee's work.

“One of the federal vaccine advisors hand-selected by anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F”

Ars Technica

He cited ongoing conflicts and what he described as a hostile environment in his resignation.

Ars Technica

Malone explained "Hundreds of hours of uncompensated labor, incredible hate from many quarters, hostile press, internal bickering, weaponized leaking, sabotage" in his message to CQ Roll Call.

The committee is currently in "judicial limbo" following the judge's ruling that prevented advisers appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from meeting.

Malone indicated he would not rejoin even if the ruling were overturned, stating "If offered the opportunity to participate in a relaunched A.C.I.P., I will respectfully decline".

He emphasized "This was not an impulsive decision" regarding his departure.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) underwent a dramatic transformation last June.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. summarily dismissed all 17 expert members of the previous panel.

STAT

Kennedy claimed the previous panel was influenced by pharmaceutical interests.

Kennedy appointed Malone, an outspoken anti-vaccine advocate, as vice chair along with other similarly-minded allies.

The reconstituted committee played a significant role in reshaping Trump administration vaccine policies.

This included voting to delay the hepatitis B birth dose given to infants.

The committee was not involved when Kennedy unilaterally reduced pediatric vaccine recommendations earlier this year.

Those changes are now on hold following the judge's ruling.

The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated it will appeal but has not specified a timeline.

Last week, a federal judge delivered a significant blow to the reconstituted ACIP panel.

The judge issued a ruling that temporarily blocked Kennedy's appointments.

The ruling also stayed all changes the committee had made to federal vaccine guidance.

The judge concluded that the panel had acted improperly.

The judge ruled that all the moves were likely illegal.

The ruling specifically addressed the committee's decisions regarding childhood vaccines.

This included the controversial hepatitis B birth dose delay that had been implemented.

The judge's decision effectively halted the committee's operations.

The committee is now in "judicial limbo" according to The New York Times.

No further meetings or actions can take place until legal challenges are resolved.

Malone's departure was accompanied by significant controversy regarding his interactions with Department of Health and Human Services officials.

He initially claimed on social media that HHS had disbanded ACIP.

Ars Technica

He claimed HHS planned to completely reconstitute the panel without appealing the judge's ruling.

However, Malone quickly retracted this claim, admitting it was a "miscommunication".

He said disbanding ACIP was merely one of several "options being considered."

The situation escalated when Malone publicly criticized a spokesperson.

Officials defended the employee against what they described as disparaging comments.

When reached for comment by STAT, Malone declined to speak with the publication.

He told them "Suffice to say I do not like drama, and have better things to do."

His resignation follows what he characterized as a hostile environment marked by intense media scrutiny and internal conflicts.

The departure of Malone, who served as vice chair, represents a significant setback for the controversial reconstituted ACIP panel.

“WASHINGTON — Robert Malone, an outspoken medical doctor and ally of health secretary Robert F”

STAT

The committee's future remains uncertain as the Department of Health and Human Services prepares to appeal the federal judge's ruling.

STAT

The judge found the appointed members lacked the necessary expertise to make vaccine recommendations.

Legal experts suggest the appeal process could be lengthy.

This could leave the committee in limbo for an extended period.

Meanwhile, childhood vaccine recommendations that had been altered or rescinded by the new panel remain suspended.

This creates uncertainty for healthcare providers and parents who rely on ACIP guidance.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding vaccine policy.

It also highlights challenges of maintaining scientific expertise within federal advisory bodies during political transitions.