Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a panel of experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine recommendations and schedules in the United States. Composed of physicians, scientists, and public health professionals, ACIP plays a crucial role in shaping national immunization policy. Recent news highlights ACIP's activities and the controversies surrounding its decisions. The appointment of vaccine skeptics to the committee by the health secretary has sparked debate. Simultaneously, evidence supporting the benefits of RSV vaccines emerges as some officials push for restrictions on their use, raising questions about the balance between scientific evidence and policy decisions. Furthermore, ACIP's recent decision to roll back guidance on universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns has drawn criticism. These events underscore ACIP's significance in public health and the ongoing debates surrounding vaccine policy, safety, and access.