The landscape of vaccine policy and public health in the United States has shifted dramatically in 2025, marked by changes in federal leadership, vaccine recommendations, and the launch of independent initiatives like the Vaccine Integrity Project. Here’s a look at the current situation and its implications for health systems:
New CDC Leadership and Vaccine Policy Changes
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appointed eight new advisers. Kennedy claims these appointees are committed to “evidence-based medicine” and will require “definitive safety and efficacy data” before recommending new vaccines. However, public health experts are concerned that the new panel lacks members with substantial, current expertise in vaccines, raising fears of a shift toward more vaccine-skeptical policies.
- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has narrowed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, now limiting eligibility mainly to people aged 65 and older or those with specific health conditions. Pregnant people and healthy children have been excluded, despite strong scientific evidence supporting vaccination for these groups. This change has already led to real-world access issues, with pregnant women being turned away from vaccination sites.
The Vaccine Integrity Project
- In response to growing distrust and federal cuts to public health programs, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) launched the Vaccine Integrity Project. This initiative, led by former FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg and Harvey Fineberg, aims to provide independent, science-based vaccine guidance and safeguard vaccine use amid widespread misinformation.
- The project will engage with medical associations, public health organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and other stakeholders to develop recommendations and operational strategies that are insulated from political interference.
The Current State of Public Health
- These policy changes come amid the largest U.S. measles outbreak in 25 years, with over 1,100 confirmed cases and three deaths as of June 2025. Experts warn that mismanagement, misinformation, and reduced vaccine access could undermine efforts to control preventable diseases and threaten the nation’s measles-free status.
- The narrowing of vaccine recommendations and the appointment of vaccine-skeptical advisers have created confusion and concern among healthcare providers and the public, potentially leading to lower vaccination rates and increased vulnerability to outbreaks.
Implications for Health Systems
- Health systems must navigate increased uncertainty around vaccine supply, eligibility, and public trust. With federal support for routine vaccination programs weakened, health organizations may need to rely more on independent guidance, such as that from the Vaccine Integrity Project, to inform clinical practice and patient communication.
- The shifting landscape places additional pressure on providers to advocate for evidence-based vaccination, address misinformation, and ensure that vulnerable populations continue to have access to life-saving immunizations.