Family Vaccine Protection Act
The Family Vaccine Protection Act would formally codify the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) into the Public Health Service Act. It sets up detailed rules for how ACIP operates, how its vaccine recommendations are developed, published, and used by the federal government, and how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Congress review and respond to those recommendations. The bill also ties ACIP guidance to key policy areas, including coverage requirements for group health plans and health insurance issuers (under law that requires coverage for immunizations) and the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to eligible children. In addition, the bill introduces a new requirement that vaccine safety and efficacy data be the basis for changes to the Vaccine Injury Table, which governs compensation for vaccine injuries. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the formal, evidence-based process for vaccine recommendations, increase transparency and congressional oversight, and ensure that ACIP’s work informs national vaccination policy and funding decisions.
Key Points
- 1Codifies ACIP as a standing, formal entity under the Public Health Service Act (Sec. 222A) with defined duties, procedures, and oversight, including applicability of a portion of the rules that apply to Federal advisory committees.
- 2Requires recommendations to be based on the best available peer-reviewed science, with a transparent process for adopting or not adopting recommendations and public posting of adopted guidance; if not adopted, the basis must be published and Congress notified within 48 hours.
- 3Mandates that ACIP’s vaccine recommendations guide: (a) coverage for immunizations by group health plans and health insurers (2713), and (b) the Vaccines for Children Program, including a regularly reviewed list of vaccines, dosing schedules, and contraindications.
- 4Establishes detailed governance: 15-19 voting members (chosen from nominees recommended by the Comptroller General), plus 6 non-voting ex-officio members from major health and science agencies; sets meeting frequency (at least 3 times per year, plus a deadline after any new vaccine licensure); and provides for subcommittees and open meetings.
- 5Creates strict accountability and transparency requirements if actions diverge from ACIP recommendations, including publication of the action’s basis and rapid (within 48 hours) notification to relevant congressional committees.
- 6Provides funding for the ACIP’s operations ($2.8 million annually from 2026–2029) and outlines administrative support and potential external support arrangements (e.g., with the National Academies).
- 7Adds a requirement to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program that any removal or modification of the Vaccine Injury Table be supported by the preponderance of the best available scientific evidence, reinforcing evidence-based changes.