02 Jul HEC Leads Coalition Letter to Protect Vaccine Policy from Politics
This week, the Health Equity Collaborative led 16 other national organizations in sending a letter to Congress expressing deep concern about recent changes at the Department of Health and Human Services that could undermine public trust in vaccines and weaken the nation’s immunization system.
On June 9, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—the independent body responsible for evaluating vaccine safety and effectiveness. The Secretary replaced them less than 24 hours later with eight new appointees, including several individuals who have publicly questioned the value of routine childhood vaccinations. There are currently seven members of the ACIP board as one of the new appointees, Dr. Michael Ross, M.D., withdrew from ACIP during the financial holdings review that is required of members before they can start work on the committee.
While reform and transparency are essential in public health policy, abrupt and politically charged changes to longstanding expert committees raise serious questions about process, science, and the future of vaccine access, especially for vulnerable communities.
Why This Matters
ACIP plays a critical role in maintaining public confidence in vaccines. Its recommendations shape everything from insurance coverage to school vaccine requirements. For decades, the committee has served as a trusted, science-based source of guidance, particularly for those most impacted by health disparities, including children, people with disabilities, and historically underserved populations.
As noted in the joint letter to Congress:
“Rather than restoring trust in our fractured public health system, as Secretary Kennedy claims, these changes are sowing confusion and raising alarms across the political spectrum.”
What We’re Asking Congress to Do
The letter outlines three key actions Congress can take:
- Investigate the removal of ACIP’s full membership and evaluate the scientific qualifications of its new appointees.
- Support legislation like the Family Vaccine Protection Act, which would codify the independence of ACIP and ensure recommendations remain grounded in evidence.
- Reaffirm commitment to science-based policymaking and protect public health infrastructure from political interference.
Looking Ahead
We recognize that trust in public health doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built—and protected—through consistent, transparent, and evidence-based decision-making. Our organizations remain committed to working with lawmakers, public health agencies, and community leaders to ensure that vaccines remain safe, accessible, and above all, guided by science.
Read the full letter here.