August 7, 2025
The AMA, along with several other physician advocacy groups, were informed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on July 31 that their physician experts will no longer be included in the process of reviewing scientific evidence and informing vaccine recommendations, as has long been the case.
The groups report that the government has labeled them “special interest groups,” and claims that they are biased in their decision making.
“We are deeply disappointed and alarmed that our organizations are being characterized as ‘biased’ and therefore barred from reviewing scientific data and informing the development of vaccine recommendations that have long helped ensure our nation’s vaccine program is safe, effective, and free from bias,” the physician advocacy groups said in a statement. “We represent physicians who care for patients throughout their lifespan, who share a common goal and responsibility to keep patients healthy and protect public health. We bring to the table real-world clinical experience on how vaccine recommendations are implemented in practice.”
The statement goes on to say: “For decades, liaisons from our organizations have reviewed published and unpublished data and literature related to vaccine efficacy, effectiveness, and safety, and provided unbiased input for ACIP’s consideration. To remove our deep medical expertise from this vital and once transparent process is irresponsible, dangerous to our nation’s health, and will further undermine public and clinician trust in vaccines. We strongly urge the Administration to reconsider excluding our organizations from participating in the ACIP vaccine review process so we can continue to feel confident in its vaccine recommendations for our patients.”
The statement was jointly issued by the following: AMA, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, American Osteopathic Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and National Medical Association.
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