Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the appointment of two new physicians to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on February 27, 2026. These appointments, made by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., signal a renewed emphasis on transparency and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the nation’s immunization policies. The move comes after Secretary Kennedy reconstituted ACIP in June 2025, a step he stated was intended to restore public trust in vaccine recommendations.
The appointments of Dr. Sean G. Downing and Dr. Angelina Farella bring a wealth of clinical experience to the committee, which plays a crucial role in advising the CDC Director and HHS Secretary on the optimal utilize of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases across the United States. The CDC’s ACIP recommendations are foundational to public health strategies aimed at controlling and eradicating vaccine-preventable illnesses, impacting millions of Americans annually. Understanding the composition and expertise of this committee is therefore vital for healthcare professionals and the public alike.
Secretary Kennedy emphasized the importance of rigorous scientific scrutiny and open deliberation within ACIP. “ACIP must scrutinize the evidence openly, request hard questions, and earn the nation’s confidence through transparent deliberation,” he stated. “Dr. Downing and Dr. Farella bring decades of real-world experience caring for children, adults, and families—and that frontline perspective is essential to making recommendations that are grounded in gold-standard science and worthy of public trust.” This statement reflects a broader effort by the current administration to address concerns about vaccine hesitancy and rebuild confidence in public health institutions.
New ACIP Members Bring Diverse Clinical Backgrounds
Dr. Sean G. Downing is a physician specializing in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He is licensed to practice medicine in Florida and has spent over two decades providing primary care to patients of all ages. Currently, Dr. Downing practices internal medicine and pediatric concierge care in Sarasota, Florida, with admitting privileges at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a regional medical center serving the Gulf Coast of Florida. Prior to his work in Florida, Dr. Downing served as an outpatient primary care physician for medically uninsured patients in Nashua, New Hampshire, and also gained experience in emergency and urgent care settings. His medical training includes a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Brown University, and he earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He also completed additional graduate training in physiology and pharmacology.
Dr. Angelina Farella is a pediatrician with over two decades of experience in pediatric care. She is the owner of A Brighter Tomorrow Family Health and Wellness in Webster, Texas, a practice she has led since 2004. Dr. Farella’s clinical experience extends beyond her private practice to include roles in pediatric urgent care and locum tenens positions. She completed her pediatric residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), serving as Pediatric Chief Resident during her training. UTMB is a prominent academic health science center in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Farella also held academic appointments as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UTMB and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her medical degree with honors from Ross University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rutgers University.
The Role of ACIP in Immunization Policy
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a vital component of the CDC’s immunization program. Established in 1961, ACIP provides recommendations to the CDC Director and the HHS Secretary regarding the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States. These recommendations are based on a thorough review of scientific data, including clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and surveillance data. The committee is comprised of medical and public health experts, and its recommendations are considered the standard of care for immunization practices in the U.S.
ACIP’s recommendations cover a wide range of vaccines, including those for childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, as well as vaccines for adults, such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, and shingles. The committee also addresses emerging infectious diseases and develops recommendations for vaccine use during outbreaks and pandemics. The process by which ACIP develops its recommendations is transparent and involves public input, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.
Transparency and Public Trust: A Key Focus
The reconstitution of ACIP in June 2025 and the recent appointments underscore the Kennedy administration’s commitment to restoring public trust in immunization practices. Concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy have fueled vaccine hesitancy in recent years, leading to declines in vaccination rates and outbreaks of preventable diseases. Addressing these concerns requires a commitment to transparency, rigorous scientific evaluation, and open communication with the public.
CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Public health works best when the science is rigorous and the process is transparent. These appointments strengthen ACIP with experienced clinicians who understand how immunization guidance matters for patients and families.” The inclusion of clinicians with extensive experience in primary care settings is seen as particularly crucial, as these physicians have firsthand knowledge of the challenges and concerns faced by patients and families regarding vaccination.
The emphasis on “real-world experience” highlights a shift towards incorporating the perspectives of healthcare providers who directly interact with patients. This approach aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice, ensuring that immunization recommendations are both evidence-based and practical. It also acknowledges the importance of addressing individual patient concerns and tailoring vaccination strategies to meet the specific needs of diverse populations.
Looking Ahead: ACIP’s Upcoming Challenges
ACIP faces several key challenges in the coming months and years. These include addressing emerging infectious diseases, such as new variants of influenza and COVID-19, and developing recommendations for novel vaccines. The committee will also need to continue to address concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, and to promote vaccine equity to ensure that all populations have access to life-saving immunizations.
ACIP will be tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of existing vaccination programs and identifying areas for improvement. This includes monitoring vaccination rates, tracking disease incidence, and assessing the impact of vaccination on public health outcomes. The committee’s recommendations will play a critical role in shaping the future of immunization policy in the United States.
The next scheduled ACIP meeting is currently set for June 23-25, 2026, where the committee will discuss updates to the influenza vaccine recommendations for the 2026-2027 season. Information about upcoming meetings and ACIP recommendations can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html. Staying informed about ACIP’s work is essential for healthcare professionals, public health officials, and anyone interested in protecting themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The appointments of Dr. Downing and Dr. Farella represent a significant step towards strengthening ACIP and ensuring that its recommendations are grounded in sound science and clinical experience. As the nation continues to navigate the challenges of infectious diseases, the role of ACIP will remain critical in protecting public health and promoting vaccine confidence.
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