American College of Rheumatology Urges HHS to Reinstate Experts Removed from CDC Vaccine Panel
ATLANTA – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., expressing strong opposition to the recent decision to terminate members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ACR was joined by 20 rheumatology organizations in emphasizing the critical role that ACIP plays in protecting immunocompromised patients—especially those requiring rheumatological care—and called for the immediate reinstatement of the removed experts.
The letter raises serious concerns that removing long-serving ACIP members could weaken public trust in the vaccination process, disrupt insurance coverage for recommended vaccines, and exacerbate vaccine hesitancy at a time when outbreaks of preventable diseases, like measles, are on the rise. The ACR urges Secretary Kennedy to reverse the decision and reaffirm HHS’s commitment to an expert-led, science-driven process for guiding national immunization practices.
The letter notes, “As specialists in rheumatology, we care for patients with autoimmune diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, many of whom are immunocompromised due to their disease or the immunosuppressive treatments they require.” It goes on to argue that clinicians rely heavily on ACIP’s work to guide vaccination decisions for vulnerable populations, as well as its role in updating immunization schedules and responding to emerging threats.
Access concerns are also raised, as any disruption in ACIP operations could delay the rollout of new or updated vaccines, critical for rheumatology patients who may be more susceptible to evolving infectious diseases, or if ACIP’s credibility or functionality is compromised, insurance coverage for vaccines could be delayed or denied.
“The ACR and state rheumatology societies stand ready to collaborate with [Secretary Kennedy and HHS] in maintaining a public health system and putting forward public policy that will actually Make America Healthy Again. We look forward to working together to ensure that ACIP remains a strong, independent voice in guiding immunization practices for the benefit of all,” the letter concludes.
Media Contact
Teri Arnold
tarnold@rheumatology.org
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About the American College of Rheumatology
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is an international medical society representing nearly 10,000 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals with a mission to empower rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.