WASHINGTON, DC -- Vaccines save lives and are the best defense against many diseases. Pharmacists and the public rely upon the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for scientifically backed recommendations and information to support balancing their health risk with choice. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) supports those scientists and researchers who dedicate their careers to critically evaluating and analyzing data to recommend evidence-based vaccines that protect the public. APhA is deeply troubled that the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary unilaterally removed all 17 ACIP voting members without following formal protocols.

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), this week introduced H.R. 3164,  the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS), bipartisan legislation that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access select testing and treatment services from pharmacists.