‘Fundamentally cruel, defies common sense’: HHS Secy. and Dem Senator get into explosive exchange

Vaccine Policy Debate - Senator White believes Secretary Kennedy's policies will hinder children's access to vaccines, potentially leading to fatalities [1] - Dr Manarez, former CDC director, alleges she was instructed to pre-approve vaccine advisory panel recommendations filled with anti-vaccine proponents [3] - Secretary Kennedy denies instructing Dr Manarez to approve recommendations irrespective of scientific evidence [4][5] - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will convene to decide on critical vaccines, impacting vaccine access [6] - Concerns arise over the dismissal of 17 scientists and doctors from the committee and their replacement with non-experts and vaccine skeptics [7] Conflicts of Interest & Credibility - The American Academy of Pediatrics warns of the politicization of the committee, jeopardizing children's health [8] - Secretary Kennedy claims the American Academy of Pediatrics is conflicted due to funding from vaccine manufacturers [9] - Secretary Kennedy asserts that Congress has been investigating the committee for 23 years due to conflicts of interest, leading to depoliticization and the inclusion of diverse scientists [15] Public Health Concerns - Respiratory viruses like RSV are on the agenda for the upcoming advisory meeting, raising concerns about infant vulnerability [13][14] - Senator White expresses concern that policy changes may increase infant vulnerability to illnesses [14] - Senator White questions the acceptable number of preventable child deaths resulting from the current agenda [17] - Secretary Kennedy notes an increase in infant mortality during the Biden administration [18]