Measles Resurgence and Vaccine Access Dominate Over 4,000 Public Comments to ACIP

After the recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting (April 15-16), the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) analyzed the more than 4,000 statements and 10 live testimonies that individuals and groups shared during public comment opportunities. Understanding the dialogue and community perspectives was especially important following a nearly two-month delay in convening this key meeting of independent experts.

A powerful chorus of voices from national health organizations, patient advocacy groups, and other individuals delivered clear messages and calls to action.

Overwhelmingly, Americans want to preserve the integrity and transparency of ACIP’s decision-making process, build support for MMR, Covid-19, meningitis, and other vaccines, and address concerns about access and childhood guidance.

Here’s an overview of the prevailing themes, participants, and the next steps for policymakers to follow.

Measles and Pediatric Immunization

The resurgence of measles in more than half of U.S. states garnered significant attention, as many called for stronger pediatric immunization campaigns. Commenters linked rising hesitancy to misinformation and asked for ACIP to take a leading role in communicating the safety and necessity of routine childhood vaccinations.

This coincided with ACIP’s discussions about immunizations and schedules for meningitis, HPV, and RSV, with the following groups among the many that echoed support:

·         Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention

·         American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP)

·         National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)

·         National Foundation for Infectious Diseases 

·         National Minority Quality Forum

·         Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition

Integrity and Transparency of ACIP

Several written and oral comments spotlighted concerns about potential erosion of transparency in ACIP’s decision-making process. Prominent voices called for more public engagement, accessible meeting formats, and clear communication about how decisions are made. Nearly all who referenced ACIP’s conflict-of-interest policies, including Vaccinate Your Family, praised the strength and vital role of the requirements in upholding public trust. 

Defending Vaccine Access from Political Interference

Many also raised concerns about the growing politicization of vaccines and urged ACIP to remain independent. Some questioned recent federal health decisions, and a broad swath voiced clear support for evidence-based policymaking. The Alliance for Aging Research (AAR), National Health Council, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and SAFE Communities Coalition were among the advocacy organizations that highlighted this topic in their submissions.

Notably, every written comment that mentioned autism emphasized that vaccines are safe and do not cause the condition – elevating the extensive research that debunks persistent and harmful myths.

PFID Calls for Next Steps

In addition to supporting the topics above, we urge the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue supporting ACIP’s mission by swiftly acting on their recommendations.

Doing so will protect the committee’s scientific integrity and enable Americans to access the information they need to make sound health decisions for themselves and their families. We remain committed to working alongside federal, state, and local partners to reduce the impact of infectious diseases and to ensure Americans benefit from the full promise of vaccines as a foundational pillar of our nation’s public health system.

Read PFID’s ACIP comments in full here.