AAFP Denounces Changes to ACIP and Vaccine Recommendations
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) stands with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in denouncing the recent decisions made by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to remove all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The MAFP also agrees with the AAFP’s denouncement of the changes to the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people without releasing data or allowing the ACIP the opportunity to review.
This unprecedented dismissal disregards decades of established processes, jeopardizes public health and threatens patient confidence in vaccines. These decisions undermine evidence-based guidance and delay the delivery of immunizations at a time when trust in vaccines is already fragile.
Minnesota Department of Health Resources
ACIP plays a critical role in developing national and state immunization policies. Its expertise shapes clinical guidance, insurance coverage and public health programs, including the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program (MnVFC).
MnVFC recently released a message recommending the continuation of current vaccine recommendation schedules and information on addressing patients’ trust as physicians reinforce the safety and importance of routine immunizations.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) continues to offer up-to-date resources for health care providers and the public. This page includes websites, videos, publications, and mobile apps that can be shared with patients and the public.
The Medical Community Speaks Out
The AAFP has taken a clear stance in a statement released on June 11, 2025:
‘…we are speaking out to denounce the collective harm being caused by recent decisions associated with vaccine policy, and we call on Congress to intervene before irreparable damage is done.”
In a joint commentary published in the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota pediatricians and family physicians, including MAFP President Roli Dwivedi, MD, FAAFP, warn that the removal of ACIP experts creates a dangerous gap in vaccine oversight. The opinion piece underscores how political interference in vaccine policy threatens the health of Minnesotans.
“Parents deserve reliable, expert guidance to make the best decisions for theirs and their children’s health. That guidance must come from independent scientists, doctors and providers – not political appointees or ideologues.”
Call to Action
The MAFP urges members to speak out. The AAFP’s Speak Out tool makes it easy to contact your members of Congress and demand they protect vaccine safety and science-based policies. We remain committed to protecting the health of all Minnesotans by supporting science-based vaccine policy and encourage our members to utilize MDH immunization resources and recommendations.
