Kennedy last week announced he would "retire" the entire panel that guides U.S. vaccine policy. He also quietly removed Dr. Melinda Wharton — the veteran Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official who coordinated the committee's meetings.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday removed all 17 members of a committee that makes vaccine recommendations to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - a move that could have major implications in Texas and nationwide.

The health secretary fired all the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices late on Monday.