The Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) reiterates its continuing concern for the health of U.S. citizens following the recent decision to exclude nationally-recognized medical organizations from participating in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory workgroups.

These workgroups have historically welcomed and depended upon medical expertise to help shape federal vaccine policy. Preventing these entities from providing evidence-based guidance risks weakening public trust and effectiveness in U.S. immunization policy.

“Physicians know what works in our communities, and we readily share this information with our colleagues in our professional organizations,” said John McCarley, MD, President of the Tennessee Medical Association. “Including national physician-led associations in these discussions actually provides more clinical and operational transparency, and enables non-governmental entities to improve the vital connection between federal health agencies and the medical professionals implementing vaccine policy every day.”

The TMA encourages the CDC to reconsider this most recent decision and restore meaningful collaboration with our professional colleagues in these organizations to strengthen—not weaken—public confidence in immunization policy.