Although Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a vocal skeptic about the efficacy of many vaccines, more older Americans are embracing the shots as new benefits continue to emerge, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told the outlet that older Americans are more likely to feel the effects of viruses. “The population over 65, which often suffers the worst impact of respiratory viruses and others, now has the benefit of vaccines that can prevent much of that serious illness,” he said.

On Monday, RFK Jr. purged all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that recommends which shots to give Americans and at what age. On Wednesday, Kennedy then named eight new members, many of whom share his skepticism of vaccines.

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