APhA warns about HHS removing ACIP voting members

WASHINGTON—The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) today expressed strong concern over the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to eliminate all 17 voting members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). APhA says this move undermines science-based public health policy.

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Scientists and experts said the changes to the vaccine panel, which recommends how vaccines are used and by whom, would undermine public confidence in health agencies.

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ACIP, a longstanding advisory body relied upon for evidence-based vaccine guidance, is critical in safeguarding public health. APhA emphasized that pharmacists and the general public depend on the committee’s recommendations to weigh personal health risks and make informed decisions about immunizations.

“APhA is deeply troubled that the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary unilaterally removed all 17 ACIP voting members without following formal protocols. The abrupt removal of ACIP’s voting members without adherence to formal procedures sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the committee’s objectivity and scientific integrity,” APhA said in a statement. “This move continues a pattern of unscientific decisions and has dire consequences for objective non-partisan representation on ACIP. APhA strongly urges that the voting membership of ACIP be comprised of scientists, researchers, and clinicians—including pharmacists—who possess the clinical and scientific acumen to provide evidence-based recommendations for vaccines, in a non-partisan manner.”

APhA advocates for reinstating a scientifically qualified and clinically experienced ACIP voting panel, including pharmacists, to ensure the public continues to benefit from rigorous, peer-reviewed recommendations.

“It is highly concerning that removing 17 scientists overnight eliminates the historical knowledge, scientific training, and clinical expertise required to equip pharmacists and the public to make appropriate choices for health based upon the risk.”

APhA concluded by reaffirming its support for evidence-based health decision-making and calling on HHS to restore ACIP’s scientific and clinical integrity.