The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), alongside 40 osteopathic specialty and state associations, including ACOFP, submitted a joint letter on June 20 supporting the Family Vaccine Protection Act. This act was introduced in the House of Representatives to protect the critical work of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). In the past few weeks, all 17 previous members of ACIP were dismissed and replaced with 7 individuals appointed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Family Vaccine Protection Act would protect ACIP’s role in evaluating scientific
evidence on vaccines and making recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Director. This role is vital to ensuring the best outcomes for our patients and continuity in evidence-based immunization
across the United States. ACIP recommendations also play a critical role in ensuring health plan coverage of
vaccines.
With 57% of
osteopathic physicians practicing in primary care specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, and
pediatrics, ACOFP members are on the frontlines of immunization efforts, treating millions of Americans. They look to the ACIP’s recommendations for critical guidance in counseling patients on vaccinations, and
understand the importance of ensuring science-based recommendations are not inappropriately ignored or
altered. The committee’s transparency and commitment to providing accurate scientific advice helps build
crucial public trust in vaccinations that is necessary for protecting the health of patients.
Without the protections to the ACIP’s authority included in this legislation, Americans could be at risk of
receiving potentially harmful or misleading vaccine recommendations and not having appropriate coverage of
evidence-based immunizations under their health plans. Access could particularly be jeopardized for at-risk
groups through more limited coverage under programs like the Vaccines for Children Program.
The signing organizations thanked the introducers of the legislation and reconfirmed the commitment of AOA and its affiliates and members to securing the enactment of this
legislation. This letter is one of more than 15 comment, joint-sign on, and letters of support submitted by ACOFP since the start of 2025.
Read the Full Letter
