Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices Could Influence Vaccine Perceptions

The healthcare system has numerous issues, many of which stem from government policies and public health recommendations. Despite being well-intentioned, these often do not yield the desired results. It's common for government policies to seemingly favor certain aspects of healthcare over others. These decisions are usually made within government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Importance of Health Policy Decisions

Healthcare advocates must remain vigilant about health policy decisions that affect the relationship between doctors and patients, vaccine protocols, and other rulings that directly impact access to care. Patient organizations and the health policy community can assist government agencies in making fair, science-based decisions.

Upcoming CDC Vote

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to vote on new recommendations related to pneumococcal vaccinations later this month. The ACIP is likely to endorse a recommendation to lower the age for routine pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50. This policy change could save lives by increasing access to immunizations. This move towards greater access to life-saving care should be applauded by all parties in the healthcare debate.

Access and Choice in Healthcare

While greater access is crucial, it's only half of what patients need when it comes to their medicine. Greater access must be paired with more choice. The decision about what medicine is best for a patient should be made by the patient and their doctor. Therefore, in backing the new recommendation to lower the age for pneumococcal vaccination to 50 and older, the ACIP must not favor one FDA-approved vaccine over another. There are two primary FDA-approved vaccines for pneumococcal disease. Health advocates and policy experts are not advocating for one over the other, and neither should the ACIP. Both vaccines should be included in the ACIP’s recommendation to physicians.

The Role of ACIP

It's not appropriate for these decisions – the right medicine for the right patient at the right time – to be made outside of the exam room. The ACIP consists of some of the best minds on vaccine practices, but these professionals should not be making personal health decisions for patients elsewhere in the country. Modern medicine requires greater access and more choice. In the wake of COVID, many patients are skeptical of public health experts. The ACIP, an agency not accountable to the public, must not disregard innovations that could save lives. We know vaccines save lives, so why limit recommendations on which vaccine a doctor should prescribe? Decisions made at the CDC affect Medicare and private insurance coverage, so limiting patients to only one vaccine could impact compliance. The ACIP’s recommendation will have an impact on patients across the country.

Potential Concerns

Recommending one vaccine over another raises several issues: - It breaches the patient-physician relationship - It could lead to lack of insurance coverage, higher out-of-pocket costs, and non-compliance - It could result in insufficient supply - It could reduce competition (which is known to lower drug costs)

Greater Access and Choice in Vaccine Policy

Good vaccine policy involves greater access and more choice. Patients deserve a healthcare system that encourages competition, allows for innovation, and promotes the doctor-patient relationship. Furthermore, the ACIP’s decision on pneumococcal vaccinations could help reshape the public’s attitude toward the public health community.

Bottom Line

The upcoming decision by the ACIP could have far-reaching implications for public health, patient choice, and the relationship between doctors and patients. It's a reminder of the importance of access and choice in healthcare, and the potential impact of government decisions on these factors. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let them know about the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.