TL/DR –
The American Medical Association and several other healthcare organizations have been barred from working with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on vaccine recommendations in the US. This decision was made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously fired 17 members of the committee and replaced them with people who reflect his skepticism of vaccines. The healthcare organizations have condemned the decision and expressed concern over the potential negative impact on public health and trust in vaccines.
Healthcare Groups Barred from Federal Vaccine Panel
Major healthcare organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA), have been prevented from collaborating with the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on vaccine policy. This action follows the controversial dismissal of 17 committee members by U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., noted for his ongoing skepticism towards vaccines.
Several healthcare groups, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, have been prohibited from evaluating data on vaccine recommendations. On Friday, these organizations issued a joint statement, expressing their deep disappointment and urging the Trump administration to reconsider their exclusion.
The statement elaborated, “For decades, liaisons from our organizations have reviewed data related to vaccine efficacy, effectiveness, and safety and provided unbiased input. To remove our medical expertise from this vital and transparent process is irresponsible, dangerous to our nation’s health, and will undermine public trust in vaccines.”
News about the prohibition was initially reported by Bloomberg News, with the Associated Press confirming the news with a federal official. Both sources reported a desire to move away from groups seen as biased towards their own constituents.
Healthcare organizations have expressed growing concern over alterations to federal health policy since Kennedy’s appointment as Health Secretary. Kennedy justified the committee dismissals as a move to restore public confidence and reduce conflicts of interest.
Former committee members expressed their concerns in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggesting the need for a credible, independent panel for vaccine policy advice. They argued that the sudden dismantling of the rigorous process has led to fundamental distrust in the panel’s work.
Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, expressed grave concerns over Kennedy’s actions undermining public vaccine confidence. He emphasized Kennedy’s firing of the entire vaccine advisory panel as a troubling signal.
The AMA and other health groups have recently voiced concerns over reports Kennedy may replace the entire U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. They urged, “to retain the previously appointed members of the USPSTF and commit to the long-standing process of regular meetings”.
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