The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a pivotal federal committee within the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that provides expert guidance on vaccine use to control vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. civilian population. Established in 1964 by the U.S. Surgeon General, ACIP develops and regularly updates evidence-based recommendations concerning vaccine administration schedules, dosage, and contraindications for both children and adults. These recommendations, once endorsed by the CDC Director, become official federal policy influencing immunization practices nationwide and affect Medicare and private insurance coverage for vaccines[1][2][6]. ACIP comprises medical and public health experts, including 19 voting members and various work groups specialized in evaluating data on specific vaccines and pathogens. The committee meets approximately three times annually in open sessions that allow public comment, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. Members serve four-year terms and disclose conflicts of interest to maintain integrity in their recommendations[2][4][6]. Key achievements of ACIP include shaping U.S. vaccination policy for decades, notably providing a structured benefit-risk framework during the first year of COVID-19 vaccine administration, which was critical for public health decision-making during the pandemic[8]. The committee’s recommendations have broad implications, as they directly influence vaccine availability, insurance coverage policies, and public health practices. However, in June 2025, the committee experienced significant upheaval when Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 sitting members and largely replaced them with individuals lacking vaccine expertise or holding anti-vaccine views, sparking controversy and concerns about the future of vaccine policy in the U.S.[1][7]. Despite this turbulence, ACIP remains a foundational entity in U.S. immunization strategy, with its expert-driven, evidence-based approach historically central to advancing public health through immunization. Its work continues to be closely followed by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public interested in vaccine science and health policy[