MAFP Calls on HHS to Restore Vaccine Panel, Urges Members to Speak Out to Congress

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is deeply troubled by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dismissal of all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the expert panel responsible for making science-based vaccine recommendations for the nation. This unprecedented action threatens to undermine decades of progress in vaccine safety, efficacy, and public trust. MAFP President Rachel M. Klamo, DO, MS, FAAFP, emphasized the urgent need for consistent, science-backed leadership in public health.

“While people still have some doubts in our health care system, patients of all ages tell us they still seek verifiable, trusted sources for vaccination and treatment information," Dr. Klamo said. "At a time when physicians are doing critical work to rebuild public trust in health care, we must have consistency in leadership, and science-backed decisions from medical professionals with extensive, verified expertise."

At the same time, HHS has announced changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women. These developments make it more urgent than ever to remind Congress that vaccines are safe, cost-effective, and essential to protecting public health. Routine childhood vaccinations between 1994 and 2023 have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and more than 1.1 million deaths. These efforts have saved the United States' healthcare system an estimated $540 billion in direct medical costs and $2.7 trillion in broader societal costs. Vaccines save lives. That is why the MAFP and AAFP support universal access to immunizations regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status and opposes efforts by the administration to undermine access to and confidence in vaccines.

“We’re at a critical turning point in reclaiming the public’s faith in the health care system,” said Dr. Klamo. “The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is imploring the federal Department of Health and Human Services to restore ACIP’s full authority and appoint vetted public health experts and providers.”

Historically, the committee’s voting members are independent medical and public health experts who do not work for the CDC. They meet at least three times a year to develop recommendations on how to best use vaccines after they are licensed or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

ACIP is scheduled to meet on June 25-27. The agenda includes votes on vaccines for COVID-19, HPV, flu, meningococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus, all of which have been under discussion and review by previous members for months.  

“Government leaders tell us they’re focused on transparency and accountability – which is exactly what patients are looking for. Now is the time to demonstrate that through concrete actions in new ACIP appointments that affect the health of millions of families throughout Michigan and our nation,” Dr. Klamo said.

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