Today, ASHP and partnering pharmacy organizations expressed concerns about the recently revised charter for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
In our joint statement, we offer key considerations to restore patient and healthcare provider confidence that the nation's vaccine recommendation advisory framework is credible, independent, and scientifically grounded.
The considerations include:
- Preserve transparent, merit-based selection processes that prioritize scientific excellence, experience with vaccination processes, and independence from ideological and political influence when selecting voting members and liaison organizations.
- Engage directly with frontline vaccination providers and vaccine scientists, including pharmacists and pharmacy personnel, when considering structural changes to vaccine policy processes and advisory committee appointments.
- Include pharmacists with expertise in vaccine research and practice when appointing ACIP voting members and liaison non-voting members.
Organizations that signed the statement include ASHP, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, American Pharmacists Association, ASCP – Age Friendly Pharmacists and Pharmacies, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, National Pharmaceutical Association, Pediatric Pharmacy Association, and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.
Together, our organizations remain steadfast in our commitment to providing patients with safe, effective, and evidence-based vaccines.
As a trusted source of vaccine-related information, ASHP is providing complimentary access to our monographs for all vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration. For additional clinical guidance and patient-friendly information, visit our Vaccine Resource Center.