Changes to ACIP charter must maintain its scientific integrity

Infectious diseases experts call on Secretary Kennedy to maintain the scientific integrity of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices charter as he undertakes his review. Any proposed changes must be made transparently and include meaningful opportunities for public input - an essential step toward restoring public trust in the vaccine guidance process.

Because ACIP recommendations guide insurance coverage and the administration of vaccines, the committee's charter must continue to require that members have relevant vaccine expertise. Further, the ACIP charter must continue to allow for liaison members from health professional societies to ensure clinicians can contribute to the committee's discussions and decisions. The lack of collaboration with clinicians and absence of a scientific foundation in ACIP's recommendations have left both patients and clinicians confused and concerned about where to turn for trustworthy vaccine guidance.

Secretary Kennedy's blatant dismantling of the nation's vaccine infrastructure over the past year underscores that robust oversight will be critical for any changes to the ACIP charter. The Department of Health and Human Services and the current ACIP have promoted vaccine misinformation, weakened lifesaving vaccine recommendations and made it more difficult for Americans to access vaccines.

Maintaining the integrity of the ACIP charter is a vital step to prevent the further decimation of vaccine infrastructure and access in the U.S.

- Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA - President, IDSA

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000-plus clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.