Dr. Piyush Vyas, President | Illinois State Medical Society
Dr. Piyush Vyas, President | Illinois State Medical Society
ISMS and 96 other medical professional organizations have raised concerns to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following the termination of all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The organizations are urging the Secretary to reinstate the dismissed ACIP members and honor their commitments through their appointed terms.
Changes to the ACIP panel could impact vaccine recommendations, affecting public access to immunizations since health plan coverage is largely based on CDC recommendations.
In a June 25, 2025, open letter, ISMS and 79 other national and state medical organizations called on partners such as insurers, hospitals, and public health agencies to ensure vaccines remain available without cost sharing.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra, M.D., J.D., M.A., an ISMS member, released two letters addressing this issue:
A June 6, 2025, letter states that IDPH is reviewing data with experts to provide vaccine recommendations based on current clinical science.
A June 13, 2025, letter outlines actions IDPH is taking following the removal of ACIP members. The Department plans to strengthen Illinois’ independent process by gathering data and consulting experts through its Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee for vaccine guidelines.
Related: Medical groups sue RFK Jr. over vaccine policy
For inquiries, contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.
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