Argentina President Javier Milei and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
June 17, 2026 - In recent legal filings, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has argued that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is unable to meet or issue vaccine recommendations. AAP President Andrew P. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP issued the following statement in response:
“Contrary to the arguments in HHS’s recent legal action, the federal government has had and continues to have the power to restore a lawful ACIP and schedule a meeting at any time. In fact, this is what AAP has long urged: a functioning ACIP led by experts who have the specialized knowledge to make evidence-based vaccine recommendations.
“ACIP’s guidance impacts whether parents can easily access vaccines that keep their children healthy and thriving. When guidance shifts based on politics, it forfeits credibility and the public stops following it. The consequences are real. Vaccination rates decline, measles continues to spread, and children suffer needlessly from other vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough and flu.
“Whether in clinics or in court rooms, the AAP will continue advocating for federal health guidance that is driven by evidence, communicated clearly, and free of political interference. Families deserve consistency and credibility from our nation’s health institutions. Nothing less.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
