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Former CDC Official Criticizes Chaotic ACIP Meeting

Former CDC Official Criticizes Chaotic ACIP Meeting

Opinion | 9/19/2025

A former official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has publicly criticized a recent meeting held by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), labeling it as chaotic. The ACIP meeting, which plays a crucial role in advising the CDC on vaccine recommendations, came under scrutiny for what the ex-CDC official described as disorganized proceedings.

The ex-CDC official raised concerns about the lack of transparency and structure during the ACIP meeting, highlighting the importance of clear and efficient decision-making processes in matters of public health. The criticism underscores the significance of ensuring that advisory committees tasked with informing public health policies operate in a transparent and organized manner.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the ACIP defended the meeting, stating that despite differing viewpoints among committee members, robust discussions are integral to the decision-making process. The spokesperson emphasized the commitment of the ACIP to thorough and rigorous evaluations of vaccine data to provide well-informed recommendations.

The ACIP, composed of experts in various fields including public health and medicine, plays a critical role in shaping the CDC’s vaccine guidelines. The recent scrutiny over the meeting’s organization highlights the complexities involved in navigating public health decision-making processes, particularly in the context of the ongoing global health crisis.

Moving forward, the incident may prompt further discussions on the transparency and effectiveness of advisory committee meetings within the public health sector. As stakeholders continue to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, ensuring robust and well-structured decision-making processes remains paramount in safeguarding public health.