ACOG Withdraws from CDC Immunization Committee Over Scientific Integrity Concerns
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has announced its withdrawal as a liaison organization to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), citing concerns about recent changes that the organization believes undermine the committee’s scientific integrity and evidence-based approach to vaccine policy.1
Concerns Over ACIP Changes
ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, stated that the recent reconstitution of the committee, the removal of ACOG experts from ACIP workgroups, and the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) unilateral changes to vaccine recommendations represent a departure from the scientific rigor and impartiality that have characterized the committee for 60 years.1
Last year, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Replaced the entire committee in an effort “to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science.”1 Subsequent appointments included individuals critical of COVID-19 vaccines and the U.S. Pandemic response.1
Recent ACIP Decisions Raise Concerns
The reconstituted ACIP has made several decisions that have drawn criticism from health experts, including:
- Voting to overturn the longstanding recommendation for universal hepatitis B virus vaccination at birth, instead recommending shared decision-making.1
- Voting against the leverage of influenza vaccines containing thimerosal.1
- Recommending against a combination measles and chickenpox vaccine for children.1
The CDC also shifted from a universal recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy to a shared decision-making approach, although the agency’s website still acknowledges the benefits of vaccination for pregnant individuals due to their increased risk of severe COVID-19.1 ACOG continues to universally recommend prenatal COVID-19 vaccination.1
ACOG Joins Vaccine Integrity Project
ACOG’s withdrawal follows similar actions by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Physicians, which were also barred by HHS from participating in ACIP meetings.1 ACOG has joined the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy’s Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP), an initiative focused on ensuring an evidence-based approach to vaccines.1 The VIP will conduct an evidence-based review of vaccine effectiveness and safety ahead of the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.1
ACOG stated it will continue to engage with ACIP as an active member of the public and collaborate with VIP and other medical societies to provide evidence-based recommendations.1
Expert Commentary
Amesh Adalja, MD, FIDSA, a senior scholar and adjunct assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, expressed agreement with ACOG’s decision, stating that interaction with the current ACIP is unwarranted.1
ACOG indicated that it would reconsider returning as a liaison organization if the committee restores normal processes for agenda setting, public comment, and the appointment of vetted subject matter experts, and if it adheres to existing scientific evidence in its vaccine recommendations.1
The CDC had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.1
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