New ACIP charter will delay vaccine access

The new charter of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices changes the fundamental focus, membership structure and governance of the committee. This will lead to confusion and delays that threaten public access to lifesaving vaccines and evidence-based, accurate information. 

In this new charter, governance of the committee would be the responsibility of the CDC director instead of members with deep expertise on immunization, which would intensify politicization of the ACIP. The new charter inappropriately emphasizes potential gaps or limitations in vaccine data, which could be used to delay, rescind or refuse to make evidence-based vaccine recommendations. Neither does the new charter commit to a schedule of meetings, which contradicts the past practice of having regularly scheduled meetings open to the public. It also noticeably softens requirements regarding the publication of vaccine recommendations and their use for informing insurance coverage. Transparency in vaccine decision-making is essential to restoring public trust in health care.

People in the United States need strong, evidence-based leadership on vaccine science. The proposed changes only serve to weaken this leadership.

— Infectious Diseases Society of America
— Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
— Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
— Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists

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.

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 pids.org.

About SHEA
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing physicians and other healthcare professionals in the fields of healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Founded in 1980, SHEA promotes education, research, and advocacy to improve patient care and safety. For more information, visit shea-online.org.    

About SIDP
The Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) is an international community of more than 2,400 pharmacists and healthcare professionals dedicated to optimizing infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and improving patient care. Grounded in science, education, and collaboration, SIDP advances antimicrobial stewardship, advocates for the essential role of infectious diseases pharmacists in patient care and public health, and promotes research and innovation to combat infectious diseases. Through the collective expertise of its members, SIDP strives to improve health outcomes, address antimicrobial resistance and disease prevention, and enhance the safe and effective use of antimicrobial agents worldwide. Learn more at sidp.org.