HHS Secretary Kennedy Appoints Two New Physicians to CDC's ACIP Amidst Committee Restructuring

New Members Join Key Immunization Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON – On February 27, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the appointment of two new physicians, Dr. Sean G. Downing and Dr. Angelina Farella, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These appointments are part of Secretary Kennedy's stated commitment to fostering transparency, rigorous science, and diverse clinical expertise in the nation's immunization policies.

Profiles of the Appointees

The newly appointed members bring extensive clinical experience to the committee. Dr. Sean G. Downing is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He has practiced primary care for over two decades, including concierge care in Sarasota, Florida, and previously served medically uninsured patients in New Hampshire. Dr. Downing completed his residency at Brown University and earned his M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Angelina Farella is a pediatrician and the owner of A Brighter Tomorrow Family Health and Wellness in Webster, Texas. With more than two decades in pediatric care, Dr. Farella has led her own practice since 2004 and held various clinical roles, including in pediatric urgent care. She completed her pediatric residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she also served as Pediatric Chief Resident and held academic appointments.

Secretary Kennedy emphasized that these new members provide a 'frontline perspective' crucial for developing recommendations grounded in 'gold-standard science' and capable of restoring public trust.

Context of ACIP's Recent Overhaul

These appointments follow a significant restructuring of ACIP initiated by Secretary Kennedy in June 2025. At that time, all 17 original members of the committee were removed, with the stated goal of restoring public trust in vaccines. Secretary Kennedy asserted that a 'clean sweep' was necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science and ensure that the committee prioritizes public health and evidence-based medicine, rather than functioning as a 'rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas.'

Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

The overhaul of ACIP and the subsequent changes to vaccine recommendations, sometimes referred to as the 'Kennedy Schedule,' have drawn considerable scrutiny and legal challenges. A coalition of 15 states and several prominent medical associations have filed lawsuits, questioning Secretary Kennedy's authority to completely recast the committee under federal administrative law. These legal disputes have led to the postponement of high-profile meetings. The committee is now expected to reconvene in mid-March to address critical topics, including COVID-19 vaccine injuries and long COVID. ACIP's recommendations are vital as they influence insurance coverage requirements, public health programs, and participation in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.