The unprecedented dismissal of the entire Consultative Committee for Vaccination Practices (ACIP) by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. constitutes a direct threat to American health. Far from restoring confidence – Kennedy’s declared objective – This action dismantles a process that was a model for the world, built over six decades and will create confusion for doctors, will increase costs for families and will trigger avoidable epidemics.
[time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”]I worked in close collaboration with the ACIP during my almost eight years as CDC director. The committee is made up of pediatricians, epidemiologists, public health specialists and parents who all make their volunteer. They provide transparent vaccine guidelines based on facts that are reliable by doctors and families across America and the world. Their meetings are open, broadcast online and include the dedicated public comment time. All presentations and data used for decisions are published on the CDC website. Members disclose conflicts of potential interests and reject themselves if necessary. This meticulous transparency is why the ACIP recommendations have such weight.
The ACIP file is a quiet triumph of public health. Its directives helped to eliminate measles in the United States in 2000 – an important step now in danger. This has led to generalized use of the HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical and other cancers. His recommendations have helped to considerably reduce hospitalizations and deaths by pneumonia and meningitis. Childhood vaccination protects millions of diseases that have once killed or disabled a large number of children. For more than 60 years, he quietly translates science into action, saving lives and strengthening health systems.
Kennedy justifies his extreme action by alleging conflicts of interest, distorting the data exceeded of a 2007 report. Today’s reality contradicts his affirmations: out of the 17 members of the voting APIP, only one pointed out any potential conflict – a specialist in very respected pediatric infectious diseases which has been challenged appropriately from discussions of linked vaccine.
Kennedy claims that the AIPI “has never recommended against a vaccine – even those who are later withdrawn for security reasons”. This is false and distorts the role of the ACIP. As the vaccines reached APIP deliberation, they have already been approved, having been deemed safe and effective by the FDA, generally after years of rigorous safety and efficiency studies. The work of the ACIP is to determine optimal use – and they have repeatedly demonstrated independence. As a few examples, ACIP has withdrawn its recommendation for the Rotashield vaccine in 1999 when a problem was identified, recommended against the continuous use of the nasal flu vaccine in 2016-2017 due to reduced efficiency, limited recommendations for the COVID Johnson vaccine and the newsv vaccine of the new possibility with the new vaccination of safety.
By undermining the AIPI, Kennedy endangers the health of the Americans. The recommendations of the AIPI determine the coverage as part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost for half of all children in America. Without these recommendations, millions of children may lose access to vital vaccinations. Families could cope with hundreds of dollars in smuggling costs for each vaccine, which potentially reduces vaccination rates and directly leading to more preventable diseases and deaths. In addition, if vaccine recommendations are weakened, access to vaccines could become more difficult. Pharmacists could lose the authority to prescribe or administer them, unless they are explicitly authorized by their state protocols or the rules for the scope of the practice. Pediatricians can hesitate to store vaccines in their offices, as they are not reimbursed for unused doses.
Economic costs will be substantial. Vaccination practicing diseases create medical expenses and reduce productivity when parents lack work to take care of sick children. Avoidable epidemics impose significant costs on the health system.
Kennedy’s decision also weakens our ability to respond to health emergencies. Kennedy’s unprecedented action leaves a dangerous gap in our emergency intervention infrastructure. The AIPI plays an essential role by prioritizing the distribution of vaccines during epidemics and pandemics. From H1N1 to MPOX, his expert judgment has helped protect the most at risk. Already, we live the most cases of measles in almost 30 years, and the resurgeting darling. The Aipic Mine is not only wrong – it is dangerous.
Will new nominees be qualified specialists who understand the technical nuances of theorists of vaccination or conspiracy? Without advice of confidence and based on facts, disinformation spreads – and more people suffer and die from avoidable disease. Pediatricians and family physicians who have relied on the clear advice of the AIPI for patient care is now faced with uncertainty about the vaccines to recommend. How can a doctor or patient trust the recommendations of people appointed by a person who has repeatedly made false declarations on vaccines and on the committee that have been dependent for decades?
Secretary Kennedy says he wants to restore the reputation that American health regulators had in the 1960s. This reputation was built on a rigorous science, not political interference. If Kennedy really wants to restore confidence, he should let scientists do science and let a vital work to protect American families. The actions taken last week did not restore confidence; They destroy a process carefully constructed and respected worldwide which has provided essential advice to doctors and patients. The consequences will be fatal, costly and entirely avoidable.
