From the emergency department to the CDC Advisory Committee: Key takeaways from ACIP’s recent meeting

Recently, I participated in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting as PhRMA’s non-voting liaison. This was my first time in this new role and a great honor. As someone who has spent years caring for patients suffering from illnesses that are now preventable through vaccines, this experience was not one that I took lightly. The ACIP meetings bring together medical and public health experts to discuss critical issues related to public health and vaccination. The recommendations from ACIP stand as public health guidance on the use of vaccines to control disease in the United States.

Here are some key takeaways from the event:

Understanding pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to various infections ranging from mild to severe and life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. Vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing these infections, and the committee's support for increasing access to pneumococcal vaccines for individuals age 50 and older is an important step to improving public health.  

Vaccine schedule for meningococcal disease

Another critical topic was the immunization schedule for meningococcal disease. This disease is particularly dangerous as it leads to life-threatening meningitis — inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Vaccines are available today which prevent most forms of this invasive disease. Caused by Neisseria meningitidis, meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, often resulting in severe complications or death within hours of symptom onset. The committee's discussion emphasized the importance of unifying the recommended vaccination schedule to protect vulnerable populations, including adolescents and young adults, who are at higher risk. 

Continuing the fight against COVID-19

I continue to be amazed by how COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics changed the way we think about the pandemic, preparedness and the way it impacts the health care system. I’m so grateful for these advances and was recently able to get my COVID-19 booster along with the flu shot. To maintain the best levels of protection, the ACIP endorsed allowing individuals 65 and up and the immunocompromised to receive a second updated vaccine six months after the first dose. A reminder that the CDC recommends all Americans ages 6 months and older get a shot of the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.

RSV vaccination strategies

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was also on the ACIP meeting agenda. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. As an emergency physician, some of the scariest moments I’ve had were caring for infants experiencing respiratory distress caused by RSV –– including my own son. The committee's focus on RSV vaccination strategies highlighted the need to protect susceptible individuals and improve public health. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines for use in pregnant women and older adults and ACIP currently recommends RSV vaccinations for adults aged 60 and older, the committee is still reviewing recommendations for expanding access to adults under the age of 60 who are at an increased risk of lower respiratory tract disease. I am hopeful that vaccines can be a tool to lower the burden of disease on individuals and the health care system as a whole, since we tend to see large surges in winter months.  

Increasing HPV vaccination rates

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is another area where vaccination plays a crucial role. HPV is a group of related viruses, some of which are associated with various cancers, including cervical, anal and throat cancers. The ACIP's commitment to discussing and improving HPV vaccination rates underscores the importance of preventing these cancers through early vaccination. I was excited to recently get both of my kids vaccinated against HPV.

As I sat in the ACIP virtual meeting room, surrounded by experts, I couldn't help but reflect on my experiences in the emergency department, as a parent and emergency physician working to protect the innovative system that is bringing these incredible tools to patients. I have treated countless patients suffering from diseases that are now preventable thanks to vaccines. And I look forward to declining rates of diseases with vaccines that are now coming down the pike. The ability to prevent such suffering through immunization is a powerful reminder of the importance of our work.

The discussions at the ACIP meeting were not just academic exercises; they were science-based conversations about saving lives and improving the quality of life for millions of people. It reinforced my belief in the power of vaccination to prevent disease and protect public health. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to these important discussions and look forward to continuing this vital work.