The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has terminated the roles of multiple members from its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), including Paul Offit, a prominent critic of RFK Jr. A Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson confirmed to an unnamed outlet that the FDA notified several committee members their special government employee terms had expired, effectively ending their participation in advisory work.

Dr. Paul Offit, affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was previously listed as a VRBPAC member through January 2027. His removal has sparked speculation, with Offit stating, “Somebody at HHS didn’t want me on the committee.” He expressed confusion over the decision, noting his public support for RFK Jr. and dismissing the move as politically motivated.

Offit criticized recent FDA policies requiring placebo-controlled trials for new vaccines, calling them “anti-vaccine activism come to the policy side.” He also urged Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to take stronger action against RFK Jr., whom he accused of spreading false claims about vaccine safety during the measles epidemic. Offit highlighted RFK Jr.’s alleged misinformation, including assertions that vaccines cause blindness and deafness.

The removal follows broader scrutiny of HHS leadership, including the abrupt resignation of a former official linked to COVID-19 vaccine approvals. Cassidy has called for oversight of these changes but faces criticism from Offit for not leveraging his influence more decisively.