CDC Advisory Committee Changes Raise Concerns About Vaccine Trust & Access, Pharmacy leaders Say
Washington D.C. – Recent shakeups within the Centers for disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are sparking worry among pharmacy leaders, who fear the politicization of the committee could undermine public trust in vaccines and potentially limit patient access.
Susan Cantrell, RPh, MHL, CAE, CEO of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), voiced these concerns in a recent interview with Pharmacy Times®, emphasizing ACIP’s critical role as a cornerstone of U.S. public health infrastructure.The abrupt removal of members before the completion of their terms raises serious questions about the committee’s independence and its commitment to science-based recommendations.
“Undermining confidence in ACIP is dangerous,especially given how critical public trust in vaccination science is right now,” Cantrell stated.
The potential ramifications extend beyond public perception. ACIP recommendations heavily influence payer coverage decisions,and any instability in those recommendations could impact patient access to vital vaccines. Furthermore, in 18 states and the District of Columbia, pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines is directly linked to ACIP guidance - meaning changes could restrict their ability to provide this essential service.
A Call for Unified Action Against Misinformation
Cantrell stressed the urgent need for the pharmacy community to proactively combat the growing tide of misinformation
