U.S. — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The committee has not been lawfully reconstituted or convened, leaving it nonfunctional as the U.S. approaches the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. No season-specific federal recommendation for influenza vaccination has been issued for the upcoming season.

A federal district court in Massachusetts stayed the appointments of 13 ACIP members due to the case American Academy of Pediatrics et al. v. Kennedy et al. Secretary Kennedy issued a new charter that refocuses the responsibilities of the committee. Plaintiffs in the case stated their concern is the removal or downgrading of established recommendations without a credible scientific process.

ACIP held its first meeting in 1964 and has guided national policy on influenza vaccination since then. Since 2010, the committee has maintained a universal annual recommendation for influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual influenza vaccination for all children from 6 months of age.

The Affordable Care Act requires commercial health plans to cover immunizations that have an ACIP recommendation in effect, without cost sharing. The Inflation Reduction Act requires traditional Medicaid programs to cover FDA-approved adult vaccines recommended by ACIP, also without cost sharing. CMS guidance specifies that Medicaid coverage must align with ACIP recommendations. Medicare Part B coverage for influenza vaccines is statutorily required and does not depend on ACIP.

The Vaccines for Children program supplies federally purchased vaccines to eligible children up to age 18, including those on Medicaid, uninsured, and underinsured. This program must provide free doses of vaccines chosen by ACIP to states. Many states authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines by referencing ACIP recommendations or CDC immunization schedules.

The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act has been extended through 2029. This act authorizes pharmacists in all 50 states to administer seasonal influenza vaccines to individuals ages 3 and older and preempts more restrictive state laws regarding pharmacist vaccine administration. The authority under this act is limited to what is 'according to CDC's/ACIP's standard immunization schedule.' In October 2024, ACIP adopted Resolution No. 10/24-1, which contains language agnostic to any particular season or strain.

America's Health Insurance Plans renewed its members' commitment to ongoing coverage of vaccines for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. The HHS secretary retains the authority to restore a functioning ACIP by appointing qualified new members or by designating ex officio members as voting members if a quorum is unavailable.