US CDC Reloads Vaccine Committee

When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory committee meets in late February 2024, there will be several new faces offering their sights.

As of January 11, 2024, only seven of 15 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) members were listed on the CDC's website.

However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that it is filling eight vacancies, including the chairmanship.

To fill vacancies, the HHS Secretary selects members following an application and nomination process.

Fourteen members have expertise in vaccinology, immunology, pediatrics, internal medicine, nursing, family medicine, virology, public health, infectious diseases, and/or preventive medicine.

And one member is a consumer representative who provides perspectives on vaccination's social and community aspects.

The ACIP develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations, including ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, time between doses, and precautions and contraindications.

Helen Branswell, a Stat News Senior Writer, Infectious Diseases, confirmed who will be joining the ACIP committee ahead of the next meeting.

In addition to the 15 voting members, ACIP includes eight ex officio members who represent other federal agencies with responsibility for immunization programs and 30 non-voting representatives of liaison organizations that bring related immunization expertise.

The ACIP meeting on February 28-29, 2024, posted its draft agenda in early February, as did the webcast link. These meetings are open to the public, in listening mode.

Vaccines to be discussed include but are not limited to Chikungunya, Polio, RSV, and Meningococcal.

ACIP's recommendations are reviewed and approved by the CDC Director and the HHS.

U.S. states determine the local applicability of vaccine recommendations once published in the CDC's MMWR. And state laws establish vaccination requirements for schools and businesses.