Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of health and human services, appointed eight new members of an expert panel that advises the federal government on immunization policy, including several vocal vaccine critics and one who identifies as an “anti-vaxxer.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week put to rest any doubt about his intent to use his perch as health and human services secretary to advance his long-standing anti-vaccine agenda.

“He’s invoking the language of ethics and integrity to get rid of these experts and now is installing people who may have their own biases — that he apparently does not want to recognize,” said Kathle...