Dr. Robert Malone, vice chair of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has resigned from the panel, citing legal challenges, internal conflicts, and hostile criticism.

The resignation follows a federal ruling in Massachusetts that struck down several ACIP decisions regarding vaccines. Judge Brian Murphy ruled the panel had failed to follow codified scientific procedures, undermining the integrity of its actions. Malone indicated he would not rejoin the panel if it were reinstated, writing in text messages, “If offered the opportunity to participate in a relaunched ACIP, I will respectfully decline.”

Malone, a longtime ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a critic of the federal pandemic response, described his work on the panel as a “fool’s errand,” citing uncompensated labor, press hostility, internal bickering, and sabotage. In a social media post, he noted that both the American Academy of Pediatrics and a federal judge had deemed him unqualified to serve on the ACIP.

The ACIP panel, chaired by Dr. Kirk Milhoan, includes 13 voting members along with ex officio and liaison representatives from other medical institutions. Malone’s departure marks a significant shakeup for the advisory group amid ongoing scrutiny of its vaccine policy guidance.