PIDS Deeply Troubled By Disregard for Science in ACIP Firings

“The announced removal by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of all 17 currently seated members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the stated interest of restoring public trust will only erode the American people’s faith in vaccines and public health recommendations. Removing vaccine experts from developing thoughtful policy will harm all Americans, particularly our children. This committee’s independent, science-driven review of vaccine efficacy and safety data has been essential in established rigorous public health recommendations under administrations of both parties. In noting that the current administration would not choose a majority of the committee until 2028, the HHS statement demonstrates this move is not motivated by engendering trust but rather anti-vaccine ideology and dangerous misinformation.

“Secretary Kennedy published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal leveling serious allegations against the process as well as the ethics of committee members. ACIP members are expert scientists, epidemiologists, and healthcare professionals who hold themselves to high ethical standards. The individuals serving on ACIP bring decades of experience reviewing scientific materials, treating patients, and vaccine development into the deliberate, careful examination of vaccine efficacy and safety data. These experts are carefully vetted and the entire vaccine review process is well documented. Indeed, ACIP meetings welcome public comments, are live-streamed and archived for future access.

“The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society is deeply troubled by the disregard for proven science and the push to limit access and development of vaccines. This will lead to the unnecessary harm of many children. We strongly urge the reinstatement of the dismissed ACIP members. Trust in U.S. public health policy relies on the good faith upholding of scientific integrity by those charged with protecting them from vaccine-preventable diseases – today and into the future.”

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About PIDS

PIDS membership encompasses leaders across the global scientific and public health spectrum, including clinical care, advocacy, academics, government, and the pharmaceutical industry. From fellowship training to continuing medical education, research, regulatory issues and guideline development, PIDS members are the core professionals advocating for the improved health of children with infectious diseases both nationally and around the world, participating in critical public health and medical professional advisory committees that determine the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, immunization practices in children, and the education of pediatricians. For more information, visit http://www.pids.org.