HHS Seeks New Vaccine Advisors

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking steps to revitalize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Following a previous decision by a federal judge that restricted changes, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to appoint new members to the panel.

HHS announced a public nomination request for new members to fill the ACIP. The selection criteria focus on representing diverse expertise including scientific, clinical, and public health knowledge. Consumer and community perspectives are also considered valuable for the committee’s mission.

The ACIP provides vaccine policy recommendations to the CDC. These guidelines influence which vaccines are covered by both private and government health insurance plans. Last year’s actions by Kennedy, removing previous ACIP members, led to legal challenges and states distancing themselves from federal immunization schedules.

In March, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy ruled that Kennedy’s selected individuals lacked the necessary professional qualifications required by the ACIP Charter. This move was criticized for bypassing the scientific process that supports the committee’s function. Despite restrictions, Kennedy is continuing efforts under legal standards.

Richard Hughes IV, representing the American Academy of Pediatrics in litigation against HHS, noted that the recent nomination request implies Kennedy’s intention to re-start his previous plans halted in March 2026 due to court orders. The current call for nominations reduces the focus on individual expertise, highlighting non-scientific viewpoints.

“Nominees will be selected to represent a balanced range of scientific, clinical, and public health expertise relevant to the Committee’s mission,” stated HHS.

The ongoing developments around ACIP highlight significant shifts in public health administration, showcasing how policy influences healthcare operations across the country.