AIM Public Comment for the May 2025 Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) Meeting

AIM submitted public comment for the May 22, 2025, meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC).

The Association of Immunization Managers is a non-partisan non-profit member organization that supports the 64 federally funded immunization program managers in the 50 states, 6 major U.S. cities, and 8 U.S. territories and freely associated states. State and local immunization programs are the backbone of the country’s vaccination infrastructure. They administer the federal Vaccines for Children Program, oversee the use of Section 317-funded immunizations for administration to uninsured adults and during vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, oversee the jurisdiction’s immunization information system (IIS), and respond to and help to mitigate outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In short, they and their staff work every day to protect Americans from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Our members rely upon the experts who comprise the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) within the FDA’s regulatory framework to ensure evidence informed recommendations are made to the FDA regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The VRBPAC plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, scientific rigor, and public trust in the evaluation and approval of vaccines and related biological products.

In an era marked by rapid scientific advancements and increased public scrutiny of vaccine development, the Advisory Committee’s work is more essential than ever. VRBPAC provides an open forum for independent experts to review data, deliberate publicly, and offer recommendations grounded in the best available science. This process not only enhances the credibility of regulatory decisions but also ensures that vaccine safety and efficacy remain the top priorities in public health policy.

Public confidence in vaccines is directly linked to the integrity and openness of the systems that evaluate them. VRBPAC meetings allow for diverse perspectives, including from healthcare professionals, scientists, and members of the public, to be heard. This inclusive approach strengthens decision-making and promotes informed, evidence-based policies that protect the health and safety of all Americans. VRBPAC is the cornerstone of FDA’s vaccine oversight and should be used whenever feasible to promote transparency and accountability. The American public benefits greatly from this advisory body, and its ongoing involvement is essential for fostering trust in the nation’s vaccine infrastructure.