1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

The firing of every member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an alarming move that threatens to undermine the integrity of vaccine policy and erode public trust in vaccines. The ACIP is a highly respected expert panel that has been instrumental in providing evidence-based recommendations on vaccine use, ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and protecting public health. Dismissing the entire committee without explanation or a clear plan for replacement is both reckless and irresponsible. This action raises concerns about politicizing vaccine decisions and prioritizing ideology over science. It is crucial that vaccine recommendations remain grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and guided by impartial experts, not driven by personal beliefs or agendas. The ACIP's work has been invaluable in shaping vaccination schedules, identifying priority groups for immunization, and evaluating new vaccines as they become available. Its recommendations have played a vital role in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases and saving countless lives. Dismantling such an esteemed body risks undoing decades of progress and undermining confidence in the vaccination program. I urge you to strongly condemn this action and demand the reinstatement of the ACIP or the appointment of a new panel comprising qualified, independent experts committed to upholding scientific integrity and prioritizing public health. Vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions, and their continued success relies on maintaining a robust, evidence-based approach to their development, evaluation, and implementation.