ACIP/HHS limbo; states and medical societies fill guidance gaps
Key Questions
What is the current status of the ACIP under HHS?
HHS withdrew its April ACIP charter revision but RFK Jr. signed a new May 14 charter that drops tox/data science requirements. No ACIP quorum exists, preventing meetings for flu season, and medical societies are filling the gap with parallel evidence reviews.
Why did ACOG issue its own maternal immunization schedule?
ACOG released an independent maternal schedule with an explicit COVID recommendation amid ACIP limbo. This addresses uncertainty as HHS altered related committee charters and CDC trust fell sharply.
What vaccine policy changes occurred in New York?
New York passed three vaccine decoupling bills and had its mandate upheld by the Second Circuit. The Supreme Court declined a related religious exemption case.
How has public trust in the CDC changed recently?
Trust in the CDC dropped to 50% from 77% in a year due to charter changes, webpage alterations on autism, and ACIP disruptions. Senator Cassidy supported a nominee after the autism-vaccine webpage was modified.
What barriers exist for pregnancy vaccine recommendations?
A new survey shows only 48% know flu vaccine is recommended in pregnancy and less than a third know Tdap, RSV, or HepB. ACOG's independent schedule and HHS charter changes for ACCV/NVAC have increased communication gaps.
ACIP remains without a stable, fully functioning recommendation process amid restructuring, litigation, delayed meetings, charter changes, and unresolved recommendation categories. Anticipated October 6 First Circuit arguments may clarify institutional authority, while states, health departments, insurers, health systems, and medical societies continue issuing practical guidance for seasonal vaccines, pregnancy, RSV, COVID, HPV, coverage, and reimbursement.