Critical Changes to ACIP Demand Immediate Attention

For decades, ACIP has served as a cornerstone of evidence-based public health policy, guiding national immunization recommendations based on rigorous scientific review, clinical data, and input from diverse stakeholders. These recommendations are widely relied upon by health care professionals, including pharmacists, physicians, and nurses, to ensure individuals and families receive timely, safe, and effective immunizations. 

Recent modifications to ACIP’s structure and membership raise serious questions about the committee’s continued ability to function independently, uphold scientific integrity, and provide accurate, up-to-date recommendations that reflect the consensus of the medical and scientific communities. The introduction of individuals known to question vaccine efficacy or safety—without sufficient scientific grounding—risks undermining public confidence in vaccines at a time when clear, consistent guidance is critical.  

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine to protect individuals and communities from infectious disease. The erosion of ACIP’s credibility and scientific rigor could have lasting consequences for immunization coverage, especially among vulnerable populations.

AACP has submitted comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expressing how ACIP guidance impacts pharmacy education. We urge policymakers to safeguard the integrity of the ACIP process by ensuring that all members are selected based on expertise, experience, and a commitment to evidence-based practice.