RFK Jr's Controversial Covid Vaccine Advisor Faces Criticism from Experts

RFK Jr's pick to review Covid vaccines, Retsef Levi, an MIT professor, has authored misleading research on the topic according to more than a dozen scientists and public health experts.

Levi has been appointed to the U.S. health department's vaccine advisory committee (ACIP), which is meeting later this month and many fear could seek to roll back recommendations on who should receive Covid-19 vaccines.

The HHS says Levi is "more than qualified" to serve on the panel and calls "attacks" on him "politically motivated". However, experts argue Levi has failed to meet basic scientific standards in his own research.

Levi's selection has sparked concerns among the scientific community, with experts worried his involvement could undermine public trust in vaccines at a critical time.

"This is someone who has demonstrated a pattern of making claims that are not supported by the evidence," said Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at the University of Florida. "To have him on the ACIP is really concerning."

Levi has published several studies questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines, including a 2021 paper that suggested Covid-19 vaccines may have contributed to an increase in cardiac events. However, this study has been widely criticized by experts for its methodological flaws and unsupported conclusions.

"The data and methods used in that paper were really poor," said Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center. "It's the kind of study that shouldn't be given much credence."

Despite the concerns, the HHS maintains that Levi is "more than qualified" to serve on the ACIP, citing his background in operations management and public health. However, many experts argue his track record on vaccine research disqualifies him from such an influential role.

"Levi's appointment sends a really troubling message," said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine. "It suggests the ACIP is willing to give a platform to individuals who have demonstrated a pattern of making claims that are not supported by the evidence."

As the ACIP prepares to meet, the scientific community remains deeply concerned about Levi's involvement and the potential impact it could have on public confidence in vaccines.