Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Statement on New Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Charter

The revised CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) charter published yesterday represents the latest attempt to upend U.S. vaccine policy with a focus shifting away from public health toward misinformation and litigation. As pediatric clinicians and researchers, PIDS fears such an orientation jeopardizes our capacity to continue protecting the health and well-being of children from vaccine-preventable and emerging infectious diseases.

The ACIP’s traditional examinations of vaccines considered a vaccine or treatment candidate for its efficacy, safety, and necessity, and continued those evaluations on a routine basis. The informed insights demonstrated by ACIP members reflected the trust healthcare professionals and families needed in CDC recommendations. Until recently committee members themselves were thoroughly evaluated for their expertise and transparency.

This new iteration of the committee would further erode the ACIP’s reputation in the American public. It elevates areas of toxicology, pediatric neurodevelopment, vaccine injury and social aspects of immunization programs while minimizing the importance of experts in medicine, vaccines, immunization practices and immunology by requiring that members only be “knowledgeable of” these critical areas. While it maintains many liaison organizations, it imperils legitimacy with the inclusion of several vaccine-skeptical groups. We believe this will lead to greater vaccine hesitancy and refusal, resulting in falling vaccination coverage and ultimately, children suffering and dying from diseases that are easily prevented with safe, effective vaccines.

PIDS is committed to vaccine and public health policy rooted in science, led by experts, and transparent in its decision-making. Only then will we restore vaccine confidence in the public and advance our abilities to protect children from infectious diseases. We welcome the opportunity to work with any who share our approach and are ready to help families safeguard their children.