Science Friday

AMA Joins Effort To Launch Independent Vaccine Review Panel

February 20, 2026

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  • The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Vaccine Integrity Project are partnering to create an independent, science-based vaccine review process to fill the gap left by the perceived dismantling of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under the current administration. 
  • The new review system's primary role is to conduct heavy-lift scientific reviews, similar to the former ACIP work groups, to provide summarized, up-to-date data to medical societies and payers, ensuring vaccine recommendations remain science-based despite federal changes. 
  • Dr. Michael Osterholm asserts that the current federal administration's stance on vaccines is 'somewhere between magic and craziness,' necessitating this parallel effort to maintain public and clinician confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness. 

Segments

Introduction to Vaccine Review Panel
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(00:01:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The AMA and Vaccine Integrity Project are creating an independent vaccine review system due to turmoil at the CDC.
  • Summary: Host Ira Flatow introduces the context: the appointment of a new acting CDC director and the perceived gap between vaccine science and policy, leading to the AMA/Vaccine Integrity Project partnership to create a parallel review system.
Rationale for Independent Review
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(00:02:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The independent panel was necessary because the expert advisory body (ACIP) was expected to be dismantled and lose its science-based foundation.
  • Summary: Dr. Osterholm explains that the move was preemptive, anticipating the dismantling of ACIP. The new group aims to continue the heavy lifting of summarizing scientific data that ACIP previously handled, especially given the volume of new research.
Goal: Supporting Medical Societies
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(00:04:01)
  • Key Takeaway: The panel’s role is to provide summarized data to medical societies so they can justify their own vaccine recommendations.
  • Summary: The panel seeks to fill the scientific capability gap left by ACIP, providing summarized information to medical societies and payers to support evidence-based recommendations and payment authorization.
AMA Partnership and Integrity
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(00:06:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Partnering with the AMA adds legitimacy and structure to the review process.
  • Summary: Dr. Osterholm discusses how the AMA collaboration is vital for representing physicians and medical societies, with the AMA handling convening and the Vaccine Integrity Project handling the scientific review work.
Conflict with Federal Guidance
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(00:10:13)
  • Key Takeaway: The panel’s evidence will conflict with the current administration’s guidance, such as the removal of mandatory newborn Hep B vaccination.
  • Summary: Dr. Osterholm confirms that conflicts with the CDC/ACIP are expected, citing the removal of mandatory newborn Hepatitis B vaccination as a major scientific error by the federal government.
Optimism Despite Damage
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(00:11:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Dr. Osterholm is personally optimistic that the medical community can maintain confidence in vaccines and eventually ‘build back better.’
  • Summary: When asked about permanent damage, Dr. Osterholm expresses personal determination to maintain good science review until the ACIP is reconstituted, hoping the entire system emerges stronger.