April 16, 2026
In light of revisions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Charter published on April 8, 2026, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy reiterates our long-standing position that CDC should utilize the expertise of qualified clinical pharmacists to strengthen the scientific integrity, operational insight, and patient-centered focus of the nation’s immunization policy.
The College submitted formal comments to CDC specifically targeting the March 18-19, 2026 Meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Our statement reminds ACIP that clinical pharmacists are essential to establishing scientific evidence on vaccines through the development of clinical trials to evaluate vaccine efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing strategies, and contribute directly to the development of vaccine protocols and public health recommendations.
Many clinical pharmacists conduct clinical/translational research in infectious diseases/immunology and possess expertise in evaluating medical evidence. These clinical scientists possess the patient care practice and research experience necessary to develop rational vaccine recommendations.