A document the Department of Health and Human Services sent to lawmakers to support Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to change U.S. policy on covid vaccines cites scientific studies that are unpublished or under dispute and mischaracterizes others.

Three of the health secretary’s picks to replace fired members of an influential panel that sets U.S. vaccine policies have filed statements in court flagging concerns about vaccines.

Multiple new members have voiced anti-vaccine views that are not based in scientific evidence. Their actions could shape the way insurers, doctors and the public make decisions about immunizations.

The health secretary cited financial conflicts, but a White House official and someone familiar with his thinking said he was also concerned about ties to Democrats.

(Reuters) -U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s surprise ouster of a national vaccine advisory board, claiming it was "plagued with persistent conflicts of interest," puts new scrutiny on the group that recommends which shots should be administered to the American public.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday named eight new members of the CDC's advisory panel on immunization.

There are two weeks to go until the panel’s next scheduled meeting. As of Wednesday morning, the committee has no known members.