RFK Jr. HHS/ACIP court limbo; FDA exits; state access bills
Key Questions
What changes were made to the ACIP charter?
HHS withdrew its April ACIP charter revision but RFK Jr. signed a new May 14 charter that drops tox and data science requirements for membership. This follows an injunction that restored the CDC 2026 adult schedule.
Is there a permanent CDC director?
No permanent CDC director has been appointed yet. Experts have raised concerns about Ault evidence in relation to the nomination of Erica Schwartz.
What state-level actions are addressing vaccine access?
NY, MD, and CO have introduced bills to expand vaccine access amid federal changes. Colorado is charting its own course due to concerns over politicized federal policy.
What is the current COVID vaccine uptake rate?
Uptake remains low at 17.5%. Spring 2025-26 guidance continues to focus on high-risk groups.
Why did HHS roll back ACIP membership rules?
HHS withdrew the revised charter little more than a month after submitting it. The rollback occurred amid ongoing court proceedings and expert concerns.
What spring COVID guidance applies for high-risk individuals?
No universal spring booster campaign exists, but vaccination is still recommended for high-risk adults. Public health agencies are urging older adults to get vaccinated ahead of expected summer increases.
How are FDA exits affecting vaccine policy?
Key FDA leader departures have created uncertainty around childhood schedule changes that are currently on hold due to lawsuits. This adds to broader instability in federal vaccine oversight.
What do the new state bills aim to protect?
New York bills seek to safeguard residents' access to vaccines despite federal pullbacks. Similar efforts in Maryland and Colorado address concerns over abrupt policy shifts.
CDC 2026 adult schedule restored post-injunction. HHS withdrew April ACIP charter revision but RFK Jr. signed new May 14 charter dropping tox/data science requirements; no permanent CDC director, Ault evidence concerns. NY/MD/CO bills expand access; low 17.5% uptake. Spring 2025-26 COVID guidance for high-risk.