A key meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee has been delayed, marking what would have been the group’s first gathering since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed his role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was originally slated to convene from February 26-28 to evaluate vaccines for several conditions, including respiratory syncytial virus, meningococcal disease, and human papillomavirus. According to HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon, the postponement was implemented to allow additional time for public comment ahead of the proceedings.
While the committee’s working groups proceeded with their scheduled February sessions and will present their findings at the rescheduled meeting, the timing of the full committee gathering remains uncertain. The February meeting had been publicly scheduled since at least October of the previous year, as evidenced by archived web pages.
The postponement comes amid heightened attention following Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS Secretary. During his confirmation process, Kennedy made specific commitments to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician who expressed reservations about Kennedy’s historical stance on vaccines. Kennedy assured the senator he would maintain ACIP’s current structure and operate within existing vaccine safety and approval frameworks.
According to recent Politico reporting, Kennedy is exploring the possibility of removing certain members from vaccine advisory panels like ACIP if he identifies conflicts of interest. As HHS Secretary, Kennedy holds the authority to appoint ACIP members. The delay in the meeting appears partially related to technical issues, as the online portal for public comments was never activated.
The postponement raises questions about the future direction of vaccine policy under Kennedy’s leadership. Prior to his appointment, Kennedy was known for his efforts to restrict vaccination requirements in the United States through legal challenges and his work with Children’s Health Defense, an organization he founded.
ACIP serves a crucial role in American public health policy by meeting several times annually to review emerging vaccine safety and efficacy data. The committee’s recommendations typically form the basis for CDC’s formal vaccine guidance. The temporary delay of this particular meeting has drawn attention from both healthcare professionals and policy observers, given Kennedy’s previous positions on vaccination and his new role overseeing the nation’s health agencies.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of public health policy and political appointments, particularly given Kennedy’s transition from a vocal vaccine skeptic to the head of the department responsible for vaccine recommendations and implementation. While Kennedy has pledged to maintain existing vaccine advisory structures, his past advocacy and current authority to reshape these committees have created uncertainty about potential changes to vaccine policy under his leadership.
The postponement also underscores the importance of public
participation in the vaccine recommendation process, as the delay was specifically attributed to ensuring adequate time for public comment. This aspect of ACIP’s operations – allowing for public input – remains a critical component of the committee’s decision-making process, even as questions persist about potential changes to the advisory body under the new HHS leadership.
Senator Cassidy’s office has not responded to requests for comment regarding the postponement or its implications for the commitments Kennedy made during his confirmation process. The timing of the rescheduled meeting and any potential changes to ACIP’s structure or membership remain to be seen as Kennedy settles into his role as HHS Secretary.