New ACIP Appointments Aim to Restore Public Trust in Immunization Policies
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced the appointment of two new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These appointments, made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., are intended to bolster transparency, emphasize rigorous scientific evaluation, and foster diverse clinical expertise in guiding the nation’s immunization policies HHS News Release.
Restoring Confidence in Vaccines
Secretary Kennedy reconstituted ACIP in June 2025 with the goal of rebuilding public trust in vaccines HHS News Release. The committee provides recommendations to the CDC Director and HHS Secretary regarding the use of immunizations for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases within the U.S. Civilian population.
Meet the New ACIP Members
Sean G. Downing, M.D.
Dr. Downing is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He is licensed to practice in Florida and has over two decades of experience in primary care, including internal medicine and pediatric concierge care in Sarasota, Florida, with admitting privileges at Sarasota Memorial Hospital HHS News Release. He previously practiced primary care for medically uninsured patients in Nashua, New Hampshire, and also worked in emergency/urgent care settings. Dr. Downing completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Brown University and earned his M.D. From Georgetown University School of Medicine, with additional training in physiology and pharmacology.
Angelina Farella, MD
Dr. Farella is a pediatrician and owner of A Brighter Tomorrow Family Health and Wellness in Webster, Texas. She has practiced pediatric care for more than two decades, leading her own practice since 2004 and serving in various clinical roles, including private practice, pediatric urgent care, and locum tenens work HHS News Release. Dr. Farella completed her pediatric residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), serving as Pediatric Chief Resident, and held academic appointments at UTMB and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her M.D. With honors from Ross University School of Medicine and a B.A. In Biology from Rutgers University.
Commitment to Transparency and Rigorous Science
“ACIP must scrutinize the evidence openly, ask hard questions, and earn the nation’s confidence through transparent deliberation,” stated Secretary Kennedy HHS News Release. “Dr. Downing and Dr. Farella bring decades of real-world experience caring for children, adults, and families—and that frontline perspective is essential to making recommendations that are grounded in gold-standard science and worthy of public trust.”
CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, added, “Public health works best when the science is rigorous and the process is transparent HHS News Release. These appointments strengthen ACIP with experienced clinicians who understand how immunization guidance matters for patients and families.”