For over 60 years, since its inception in March of 1964, the pediatric medical community has looked to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as the foremost expert on ensuring that we provide our patients with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice when it comes to vaccine-mediated preventative medicine. The actions of the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., effectively gutting this board by removing all 17 members without reason or notice, places our nation’s children at extreme risk of falling ill, or potentially losing their lives, from preventable diseases. This comes as a measles outbreak has reached a level not seen in this country since before the advent of immunizations. To date, over one thousand of our nation’s children have been affected by this outbreak, resulting in multiple preventable deaths.
The ACOP will continue to stand for evidence-based preventative medicine, including the free and open access to life saving vaccines which have been proven to protect our children from illnesses such as measles, pertussis, and influenza. We will continue to reject the politicization of science and will rely on the medical experts to continue providing the best care to all children in our care.
We unequivocally oppose the actions taken by the HHS Secretary today – dismantling this essential committee which has prevented millions of illnesses since its inception. We oppose the removal of the current members of the ACIP without cause or notification. Lastly, we are committed to standing with our partners in pediatric medicine and beyond in providing dedicated, evidence-based, scientifically proven, healthcare to every patient who entrusts us with their care.
Yours In Health,
The ACOP Executive Committee
