Uncertain Changes in Vaccination Policy

Stat inquired with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the Wild to Mild campaign and other vaccine promotional efforts. However, the HHS spokesperson provided a bewildering reply: “No, the CDC was not directed to remove the flu vaccination campaign webpage,” which did not address Stat’s initial query.

The response continued, asserting: “Regrettably, certain CDC officials, who oppose Secretary Kennedy and President Trump’s policies, appear to be intentionally distorting and misrepresenting the guidance they receive.” NPR was given a similar statement.

On Thursday, The Washington Post reported that the HHS has instructed the CDC to indefinitely delay a scheduled meeting of its vaccine advisory committee, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which has faced criticism from Kennedy. This committee, made up of independent professionals, convenes regularly to review and deliberate on vaccine safety and efficacy, in addition to voting on recommendations.

ACIP was initially set to meet from February 26 to 28, with plans to discuss a wide array of vaccines, including those for meningitis, influenza, RSV, chikungunya, HPV, mpox, pneumococcal infections, Lyme disease, COVID-19, and CMV. An HHS spokesperson informed The Post that the meeting was “postponed to allow for public feedback before the gathering,” yet no new date has been announced.

Prominent medical professionals and organizations, including the American Medical Association, swiftly sent a joint letter urging Kennedy to maintain the meeting schedule. The letter emphasized: “Each ACIP meeting is crucial and relevant. Infectious diseases are continuously evolving adversaries; vaccines serve as vital tools for adapting and addressing emerging public health challenges. … Ensuring America’s health requires open dialogue and prompt, evidence-based decisions, which this meeting should exemplify.”

However, Politico reported on the same day that Kennedy is planning to replace ACIP members. Furthermore, the AP previously noted that during a speech to HHS staff on Tuesday, Kennedy promised to examine the CDC’s childhood vaccine schedule, despite having assured senators prior to his confirmation that he would not implement changes to it.