1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The decision to dismiss the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises serious concerns about protecting public health and maintaining trust in vital vaccination programs. The ACIP plays a crucial role in reviewing scientific data and providing recommendations that ensure immunizations are safe, effective, and accessible. Removing this panel of independent experts undermines the integrity of the regulatory process and could sow doubts about vaccine safety and efficacy. A restacked panel sympathetic to anti-vaccine views may skew recommendations, deterring parents from vaccinating their children against preventable diseases like measles. With immunization rates already declining, this move threatens to exacerbate outbreaks and put vulnerable populations at risk. Maintaining public confidence in vaccines is essential for robust immunization coverage and containing the spread of infectious diseases. Restoring faith in our public health institutions demands preserving scientific integrity and upholding evidence-based policymaking. ACIP's recommendations should be guided by rigorous analysis, not ideology. Appointing qualified experts committed to scientific consensus is critical to safeguarding children's health and promoting widespread vaccine acceptance. Jeopardizing hard-won progress against vaccine-preventable illnesses imperils every community's well-being and safety.