AOA urges evidence-based and routine vaccination for patients

The American Osteopathic Association, representing nearly 200,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students throughout the country, believes in a patient-centered approach to care that relies on shared decision-making rooted in trust built between patients and physicians. As a physician organization dedicated to promoting public health, we regard vaccination as one of the most powerful tools to prevent infectious diseases and avoidable illness. We rely on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to provide transparent vaccine recommendations that are rooted in credible authority and evidence-based research.

However, recent actions by the ACIP, to limit access to routine and emergent immunizations, hinder evidence-based decision making and create confusion on current evidence. Recommendations by the ACIP have historically played a critical role in providing guidance for the healthcare community and to the public to minimize the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The AOA will continue to work with lawmakers and the health community to promote evidence-based decision making; and urges the ACIP to prioritize scientific integrity and ensure access to immunizations based on sound scientific evidence.