Pediatric cardiologist dismissed after controversy over infant vaccine policy

11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Pediatric cardiologist dismissed after controversy over infant vaccine policy

Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist and former chair of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, has been dismissed from his position following backlash over his role in modifying national guidelines on infant hepatitis B vaccinations. The decision came while he and his wife, Dr. Kimberly Milhoan, were attending an international conference on pediatric cardiology.

According to Dr. Kimberly Milhoan, the clinic cited a wave of public complaints and calls for his removal linked to his leadership in the CDC advisory committee, which recently endorsed adjustments to long-standing recommendations on administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. She emphasized that her husband had no prior patient or family complaints and enjoyed a strong professional reputation among his colleagues, many of whom expressed regret at his termination.

Dr. Milhoan, who co-founded and directs a free clinic alongside his wife, was appointed chair of the CDC’s advisory committee shortly before it undertook a highly scrutinized review of the newborn vaccination schedule. His supporters within the medical field have defended his integrity and approach, describing him as a pro-vaccine physician who prioritizes informed consent and rigorous evaluation of vaccine safety data. They contend that his leadership aimed to strengthen public trust in immunization programs amid growing societal tensions surrounding vaccine policy.