AMA Joins Effort To Launch Independent Vaccine Review Panel - Science Friday Recap

Podcast: Science Friday

Published: 2026-02-20

Duration: 12 minutes

Guests: Dr. Michael Osterholm

Summary

The American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project are collaborating to create an independent vaccine review panel, aiming to fill the gap left by changes in the CDC under RFK Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services.

What Happened

Dr. Michael Osterholm elaborates on the newly announced partnership between the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project to establish an independent vaccine review process. This initiative is a response to the perceived dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s administration, which has led to concerns about the integrity of vaccine science and policy.

Osterholm explains the historical context, referencing his op-ed predicting challenges to vaccine integrity with RFK Jr. at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services. He highlights the importance of maintaining a science-based review process, particularly given the influx of research - such as over 3,000 papers on HPV vaccines published in just 15 months.

The new panel aims to support medical societies by providing synthesized scientific information, allowing them to make informed recommendations despite the current compromised state of the ACIP. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the confidence of healthcare providers and the public in vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Osterholm emphasizes that the AMA's involvement lends credibility to the project, as they represent a broad spectrum of medical societies. The collaboration ensures that practitioners have reliable information for vaccines, such as influenza, COVID, and RSV, which can inform payer decisions and public trust.

Recognizing the unusual times and challenges faced, Osterholm notes the creative and innovative approaches being taken to uphold scientific integrity in vaccine evaluation. He stresses that the project's goal is not to replace the ACIP but to provide a temporary but robust alternative.

Osterholm also addresses the potential for public confusion, especially when their findings contradict the CDC's recommendations. He argues that the current federal stance lacks scientific basis, and the unified support from the medical community should reassure the public.

Finally, Osterholm expresses optimism about the future, hopeful that the crisis will lead to improved processes and stronger public health infrastructure. His commitment to ensuring safe and effective vaccines is also motivated by a personal conviction to protect future generations, including his grandchildren.

Key Insights

• The American Medical Association is teaming up with the Vaccine Integrity Project to create an independent vaccine review process, a reaction to the perceived weakening of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices under RFK Jr.'s leadership. This partnership aims to support medical societies with credible scientific information amidst concerns over vaccine policy integrity.
• In just 15 months, more than 3,000 papers on HPV vaccines were published, highlighting the critical need for a robust science-based review process to sift through overwhelming research. This new independent panel aims to provide clarity in an era where the federal stance on vaccines is questioned by experts.
• The American Medical Association's involvement in the new vaccine review panel lends credibility as it represents a wide array of medical societies. This collaboration is designed to maintain healthcare providers' and public confidence in vaccines like influenza and COVID, even when current federal recommendations are deemed scientifically unsound.
• Osterholm predicts that these turbulent times will lead to improved public health infrastructure, as the independent vaccine review initiative is not intended to replace the ACIP but to temporarily ensure scientific integrity. His personal commitment is driven by a desire to protect future generations, including his grandchildren, from vaccine misinformation.

Key Questions Answered

What is the American Medical Association's role in the new vaccine review panel on Science Friday?

The AMA is partnering with the Vaccine Integrity Project to establish an independent vaccine review panel, providing a science-based alternative to the CDC's compromised vaccine advisory process under RFK Jr.'s administration.

How is the Vaccine Integrity Project addressing vaccine policy changes under RFK Jr.?

The Vaccine Integrity Project, led by Dr. Michael Osterholm, is collaborating with the AMA to create an independent review process to ensure continued science-based vaccine recommendations amidst changes at the CDC.

Why does Dr. Michael Osterholm believe a new vaccine review panel is necessary?

Osterholm argues that the dismantling of the ACIP under RFK Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services necessitates an independent review process to maintain scientific integrity and public trust in vaccine recommendations.