Arthritis Foundation Urges Federal Court to Protect Vaccine Access 

Washington, DC (July 28, 2026) — The Arthritis Foundation has joined 23 national patient and public health organizations in filing an amicus brief (friend-of-the-court document) in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy. The case, now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, asks whether recent changes to ACIP followed federal law. These changes include replacing the committee’s members and changing how some vaccine recommendations were made.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a federal advisory committee of medical and public health experts. It reviews scientific evidence on vaccine safety and efficacy and recommends to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which vaccines should be used, when, and for whom. The CDC Director then decides whether to adopt those recommendations as official federal guidance. Historically, this process has combined expert scientific review, public discussion and clear federal accountability.  

These recommendations do more than guide conversations at the doctor’s office. Once adopted, they help determine which vaccines most health insurance plans and public programs cover without patient cost-sharing for those included in the recommendation. Changes to the process can affect whether patients receive clear guidance, whether a vaccine is covered by health insurance, how much it costs, and how easily they can access it. This matters for people with arthritis. Inflammatory and autoimmune forms of arthritis, and some treatments used to manage them, can increase the risk of serious infection, which vaccines help prevent. Some patients also need special guidance about which vaccines are right for them and how to time vaccination around treatment. Children and young adults with juvenile arthritis (JA) and adults who are immunocompromised may also depend more heavily on strong vaccination rates within their families and communities to safely attend school, work and medical appointments, spend time with family or friends and other everyday activities.  

The Arthritis Foundation supports a clear, transparent, expert and evidence-based process for vaccine recommendations. Patients should be able to trust that qualified experts have reviewed the evidence, openly considered the benefits and risks, and provided clear guidance that supports informed decisions with their healthcare providers. 

We will continue working with patients, healthcare professionals, and partner organizations to protect access to vaccines and other preventive care that helps people with arthritis and other chronic conditions live healthier lives. 

Learn more about vaccine recommendations, coverage and access in our Vaccine Access Frequently Asked Questions.