On Monday, June 9, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP). ACIP comprises medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States. It is unclear when new members will be announced.
KMA refers its members to the following statement issued yesterday from AMA President Bruce Scott, M.D., a Past President of the Kentucky Medical Association:
“For generations, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been a trusted national source of science-and data-driven advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Physicians, parents, community leaders and public health officials rely on them for clinical guidance, public health information, and knowledge. Today’s action to remove the 17 sitting members of ACIP undermines that trust and upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives. With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.”
KMA will continue to monitor this issue and provide updates as they are available.
