CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel Meeting Postponed

The highly influential committee's upcoming gathering has been delayed, with no new dates set yet.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has postponed an upcoming meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a highly influential vaccine advisory panel. The ACIP meeting, originally scheduled for February 25-27, has been delayed, though no new dates have been announced yet.

Why it matters

The ACIP plays a critical role in shaping the CDC's vaccine policies and recommendations. Its decisions can have a major impact on public health, vaccination rates, and access to immunizations. The postponement of this meeting raises questions about the committee's future direction under the new HHS Secretary.

The details

A source familiar with the matter told The Hill that the ACIP meeting has been delayed, though no solid new dates have been shared. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the postponement, stating 'We will not hold the ACIP meeting later this month. Further information will be shared as available.' The ACIP has been a key vehicle for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to implement his vaccine policy agenda, including voting to delay common childhood immunizations and reduce the demographics for certain vaccines.

  • The ACIP meeting was originally scheduled for February 25-27, 2026.
  • The meeting has now been postponed, with no new dates announced yet.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The leading national public health institute in the United States.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

A highly influential CDC advisory committee that makes recommendations on the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, who has been reshaping the ACIP with ideological allies since his confirmation.

American Academy of Pediatrics

A professional membership organization of pediatricians committed to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

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What they’re saying

“We will not hold the ACIP meeting later this month. Further information will be shared as available.”

— Andrew Nixon, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson (The Hill)

What’s next

The American Academy of Pediatrics has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the ACIP's upcoming meeting and reverse the CDC's decision to reduce the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the future direction of the ACIP and the CDC's vaccine policies.

The takeaway

The postponement of the ACIP meeting raises concerns about the committee's independence and the potential politicization of vaccine policy under the new HHS leadership. As a key advisory body, the ACIP's decisions have far-reaching public health consequences, and its future direction will be closely watched by medical professionals, public health experts, and the general public.