ANA Urges Inclusion of Nurses in Vaccine Policy Making to Restore Public Trust

Strategic Insights -

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has expressed concerns over the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recent restructuring of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), which risks further eroding public confidence in vaccine science. ANA emphasizes the importance of transparency, consistency, and representation of frontline perspectives in vaccine policy making. With nurses being the most trusted profession in the United States and playing a vital role in immunization efforts, ANA urges HHS to ensure the nursing perspective is meaningfully represented in the selection of new ACIP members. This is crucial in restoring public trust in vaccines and reinforcing evidence-based policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The American Nurses Association (ANA) has voiced concerns over the HHS' restructuring of the ACIP, fearing it may further erode public confidence in vaccine science.
  • ANA emphasizes the importance of transparency, consistency, and representation of frontline perspectives in vaccine policy making.
  • Nurses, being the most trusted profession in the United States, play a vital role in immunization efforts and should be meaningfully represented in the selection of new ACIP members.
  • The restructuring of ACIP risks undermining public trust in vaccines unless it involves nurses and healthcare experts.
  • ANA stands ready to support HHS in identifying qualified nurses to serve on ACIP and contribute to restoring public trust in immunization practices.
  • The ANA is committed to engaging in this important dialogue and supporting efforts that center public health, science, and evidence-based practice.

Statistics:

  • Over 5 million registered nurses are represented by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
  • Nurses are often the first line of defense against vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • The ACIP advises the HHS on vaccine policy, including vaccination recommendations for various age groups and risk categories.
  • The art of science is critical to public health, and changes in policy should complement it.

Sources:

  • American Nurses Association (ANA). (2025, June 11). ANA Urges Inclusion of Nurses and Healthcare Experts on ACIP to Restore Public Trust in Vaccines and Reinforce Evidence-Based Policy [Press Release]. Retrieved from
  • American Nurses Enterprise. (n.d.). About the American Nurses Association. Retrieved from