The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s upcoming vaccine advisory committee meeting has been delayed, marking what would have been the committee’s first gathering since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed his role as U.S. health secretary.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was originally scheduled to convene from February 26-28 to evaluate vaccines for several conditions, including respiratory syncytial virus,
meningococcal disease, and human papillomavirus. According to Department of Health and Human Services communications director Andrew Nixon, the postponement was implemented to allow additional time for public input before the meeting takes place.
Nixon confirmed that while the main meeting has been postponed, ACIP workgroups proceeded with their scheduled February sessions and will present their findings at the rescheduled committee meeting. The February gathering had been on the official calendar since October of the previous year.
During his confirmation process, Kennedy made specific commitments to Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and physician who expressed reservations about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance. Kennedy assured the senator he would maintain ACIP’s current structure and operate within existing frameworks for vaccine safety and approval processes.
Kennedy’s background includes significant anti-vaccination advocacy, including legal challenges and involvement with Children’s Health Defense, an organization that has sought to limit vaccination requirements in the United States. Recent reporting by Politico indicates that Kennedy is exploring the possibility of removing certain members from vaccine advisory panels like ACIP if he identifies potential conflicts of interest. As HHS secretary, Kennedy holds the authority to select ACIP members.
The postponement appears to be partially related to technical issues, as Politico reported that the online system for submitting public comments prior to the meeting was never activated. This administrative oversight apparently contributed to the decision to delay the meeting.
ACIP serves a crucial role in vaccine policy, meeting several times throughout the year to evaluate new safety and effectiveness data on vaccines. The committee’s recommendations are subsequently formalized by the CDC, making their meetings significant events in public health policy.
The delay comes at a time of particular interest in vaccine policy, given Kennedy’s historical stance on immunization and his new position of authority over key health agencies. His appointment has drawn attention from both supporters and critics, particularly regarding how his leadership might influence vaccine recommendations and policy.
Senator Cassidy’s office has not provided any response to requests for comment regarding the meeting’s postponement. The delay raises questions about the future operation of ACIP under Kennedy’s leadership, especially given his previous advocacy work and stated intentions to examine potential conflicts of interest among advisory panel members.
The rescheduling of this meeting represents one of the first visible changes in vaccine policy processes since Kennedy’s confirmation as health secretary. While the stated reason for the delay centers on public comment accommodation, the postponement has attracted attention from healthcare professionals and policy observers who are monitoring how Kennedy’s leadership might affect vaccine policy and public health recommendations going forward.
The timing and details of the rescheduled meeting have not yet been announced, leaving stakeholders and the public health community waiting for further information about when these important vaccine discussions will take place.