Conflicts of interest on federal government vaccine panels have significantly decreased in recent years, reaching “historically low levels” according to a recent study published in JAMA. This decline in conflicts is likely to spark further discussion on a contentious issue championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The study revealed that the rate of conflicts among members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) dropped from almost 43% in 2000 to just 5% in 2021. Similarly, conflicts on the Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee decreased from 11% to 0 during the same period.
Overall, the study found that the rate of any type of conflict declared by panel members was 13.5% on ACIP between 2000 and 2024, and 4% on the FDA vaccine panel. The most common type of conflict reported was funding for research work, accounting for 10% among ACIP panelists and nearly 1% on the FDA vaccine panel. Other types of conflicts, such as consulting, stock or patent ownership, and serving on a company data monitoring board, were less prevalent.
These findings suggest that efforts to mitigate conflicts of interest within federal vaccine panels have been successful in recent years. The decrease in conflicts is a positive development that could help enhance the credibility and transparency of vaccine decision-making processes.
As the debate over conflicts of interest in federal vaccine panels continues, it is important to monitor and address any potential conflicts that may arise in the future. By maintaining transparency and accountability, federal vaccine panels can uphold their commitment to making evidence-based recommendations for public health.
