The American Medical Association (AMA) and the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project are collaborating to establish an independent review process for vaccine safety and effectiveness, a move announced January 23, 2026. The initiative comes amid increasing scrutiny of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) role in vaccine oversight.
The independent review system aims to provide an additional layer of assessment, mirroring functions traditionally performed by the CDC. According to a statement released by the AMA, the project will focus on rigorously evaluating vaccine data and providing transparent, evidence-based recommendations. The AMA has recently issued statements regarding changes to the childhood vaccine schedule and the CDC’s hepatitis B birth dose decision, signaling a heightened level of engagement with vaccine policy.
This collaboration follows a series of actions by the AMA expressing concern over the integrity and transparency of the vaccine recommendation process. In December 2025, the AMA released a statement regarding the CDC’s decision on the hepatitis B birth dose, and in June 2025, voiced concerns over the selection of new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without what it deemed proper vetting. The AMA too opposed Florida’s plan to end vaccine mandates in September 2025.
The decision to launch an independent review was prompted, in part, by recent criticism of the CDC’s handling of vaccine recommendations and the composition of its advisory panels. On January 5, 2026, the AMA issued a statement regarding changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The AMA’s actions reflect a broader effort to bolster public confidence in vaccines, particularly in the face of declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation.
The AMA is partnering with the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota, a research group dedicated to studying vaccine safety and effectiveness. The project will leverage the University’s expertise in data analysis and public health research to conduct independent assessments of vaccine data. The AMA and the Vaccine Integrity Project announced the creation of the system four days ago, but details regarding the review process, funding, and timeline for implementation remain forthcoming.
Recent recommendations from the CDC, as of January 26, 2026, include annual influenza vaccinations for individuals six months and older, a one-time RSV vaccine for adults age 75 and older, and for those aged 50-74 at increased risk. The CDC also recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant patients during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. These recommendations are supported by organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Infectious Disease Society of America.
The AMA has not yet commented on how its independent review process will interact with existing CDC recommendations or whether it intends to issue its own set of guidelines. The CDC has not responded to requests for comment regarding the AMA’s initiative.
