Summary
A key committee that advises the CDC on vaccine policies is meeting this week in Atlanta after all 17 members were replaced by new ones selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This change has led to controversy and calls to postpone the meeting. The committee's decisions influence vaccine guidelines and insurance coverage for vaccines.
Key Facts
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC on vaccine policies.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently replaced all 17 members of the committee with his own picks.
- The meeting will take place over two days in Atlanta.
- Senators Bill Cassidy and Patty Murray have raised concerns about the new committee members and called to delay the meeting.
- The ACIP usually meets three times a year to discuss how vaccines approved by the FDA should be used.
- The decisions made by the committee can affect the national vaccine schedule and insurance coverage for vaccines.
- In May, Kennedy made changes to the vaccine schedule without input from the ACIP, removing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women.
