Family Vaccine Protection Act

The Family Vaccine Protection Act would codify the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) into federal law, formally establishing its role in making vaccine recommendations. Currently, ACIP operates through administrative practice rather than statute. If enacted, this bill would require the CDC Director and HHS Secretary to adopt ACIP's vaccine recommendations when supported by scientific evidence. If either official departs from an ACIP recommendation, they would need to publish a detailed explanation showing how their decision is supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence and notify Congress within 48 hours.

The bill would also strengthen ACIP's independence by writing its structure, membership requirements, and meeting frequency into law. It specifies that the committee would have 15-19 members with expertise in epidemiology, immunology, and vaccine research, and must meet at least three times annually with meetings open to the public. Additionally, the bill would protect vaccine access by ensuring ACIP recommendations guide programs like the Vaccines for Children Program and health insurance coverage requirements. The bill would authorize $2.8 million annually from 2026 through 2029 to support ACIP operations. It currently remains in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee after hearings held in March 2026.