Because of donors like you, we’re able to take bold legal action. Join us in continuing the fight—donate here.
A recent federal court decision suspended the appointments of 13 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) and invalidated all votes taken by the committee since those members joined. ICAN’s letter reminds HHS Secretary Kennedy that he has the power to revise the ACIP charter and set the criteria for new members.
The ACIP charter comes up for renewal every two years. The next renewal falls next week, on April 1, 2026. ICAN’s legal team sent a letter to Secretary Kennedy with recommendations for updates to the charter. These changes will clarify committee member criteria and bring the charter into better alignment with ACIP’s governing documents.
ICAN believes that all of the 13 challenged members of the committee do have the requisite experience. In fact, never before had the committee had such an impressive range of perspective, experience, and background. When it comes to being “fairly balanced,” it is the ACIP committees of years past that were sorely lacking in diversity of viewpoints.
ICAN urges Secretary Kennedy to exercise his powers within HHS. He has the discretion and authority to revise the ACIP charter as he sees fit. This administration was voted in by the American people, and the administration chose Kennedy. In turn, Kennedy has the sole authority to determine what type of members will best serve the committee objectives—instead of the objectives of Big Pharma.
To support future legal actions like this, click here to donate.
