At a time when vaccine hesitancy is reaching new heights, we’re at a critical juncture in American health. The time is now for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reaffirm his commitment to safeguarding public health.
However, the recent and abrupt firing of all 17 members and the appointment of new members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — a panel that has long guided our nation’s vaccine schedules and recommendations — may unfortunately cause Americans to doubt the process. The new committee must be prepared to make decisions that uphold the vaccination system that has protected Americans for more than 60 years.
Science, not politics, must guide the advisory committee.
While the panel is not a household name, its guidance affects the lives of all Americans due to its recommendations on vaccines and subsequent insurance coverage. ACIP’s recommendations affect all ages: children entering preschool, young adults entering college and careers, and seniors compensating for aging immune systems.
Vaccines are proven, safe and effective in preventing many dangerous diseases; however, they are only effective if people receive them.
Preventive medicine, including vaccines, is our strongest tool for protecting Americans’ well-being. To ensure Americans’ health, we must prioritize educating the public about the importance of vaccines and be transparent about the rigorous review process they undergo. People have more information at their fingertips than ever before; experts cannot rely solely on their mere status to earn the public’s trust. It is essential that experts, including the new members of ACIP, adhere closely to the evidence. This is the only way to restore trust.
A major obstacle to vaccine acceptance is the skepticism that was engendered during the pandemic when politics (including politicized science) replaced medical expertise. Americans prioritize self-education over blind trust, and being well-informed empowers individuals to assess vaccines based on science, not fear or propaganda. That starts with restoring credibility to panels such as the ACIP.
Vaccines not only prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but they also protect vulnerable populations such as children, senior citizens, and the immuno-compromised, saving countless lives. Nevertheless, with ever-changing technology and innovation, improvements must always be made to immunization infrastructure, vaccine technology and education.
Too often, scientific conversations can devolve into a disorganized bureaucratic process, despite the best intentions of public health leaders and experts. These leaders and experts should ultimately empower patients to make informed health decisions, free from the influence of trendy opinions. This is why the members of the ACIP must have the necessary time to prepare for decisions that will alter the course of American health. The committee should review its understanding of these critical issues, continue to engage with stakeholders, and ensure each member of the committee has considered all crucial information before making decisions.
The vaccine debate isn’t just about policy — it’s about care, safety and trust in the healthcare system. Vaccine hesitancy may fuel devastating disease outbreaks, harming communities. Immunizations safeguard not only children but entire populations as well. This includes infants too young to be vaccinated and those too ill to receive vaccines, who rely on high vaccination rates to stay protected.
I’ve seen firsthand the power of vaccines to save lives and protect our communities. Vaccines are a triumph of American innovation, rooted in science and individual responsibility, empowering us to prevent devastating diseases. I encourage the administration and healthcare leadership to exclude politics from medical settings, build public trust through complete transparency, and ensure access to scientific analysis based solely on data and clinical trials. When Americans choose to get vaccinated, they exercise personal freedom while contributing to a healthier, stronger nation for future generations.
During a time of unprecedented disease outbreaks, it is imperative that science, not politics, is our north star and that ACIP has adequate access to science, time and freedom to deliberate to uphold the vaccine system that has protected Americans for more than six decades.