A coalition of more than 100 U.S. medical organizations issued a unified statement reaffirming their commitment to vaccines for respiratory viruses in response to recent changes to federal immunization review processes.

The open letter, led by the American Medical Association (AMA), voiced concerns regarding modifications to federal immunization oversight and urged the continuation of evidence-based vaccine recommendations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 infections.

Key Statements

The coalition cited the intensity of the 2024 to 2025 respiratory virus season as a driving factor behind its statement. “With the severe influenza season the United States experienced during the 2024 [to] 2025 respiratory virus season, and the recognition that we will likely see another surge in respiratory viruses this fall, we know strong physician leadership is essential to reducing preventable illness, hospitalizations, and death,” the letter stated. “Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain among the best tools to protect the public against these illnesses and their potentially serious complications—and physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend them,” the coalition continued.

Federal Policy Response

While the letter didn't detail the specific changes to the federal review process, it addressed the resulting uncertainty: “Recent changes to federal immunization review processes raised concerns across the medical and public health community. In this moment of uncertainty, physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients.”

The coalition also stressed the need for vaccine accessibility: “We call on our partners—from insurers to hospitals to public health agencies—to ensure vaccines remain available to patients without cost sharing.”

Organizational Commitment

Signatory organizations pledged to advance public confidence and understanding. “We commit to working together to promote public understanding and confidence in the use of vaccines to avoid another severe respiratory virus season and resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses and deaths,” the letter said.

The coalition concluded: “The health and safety of the public remains our top priority, and we will continue to support evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health.”

Participating Organizations

The coalition comprised a broad range of national, state, and subspecialty medical groups:

• National Medical Associations:

  • American Medical Association

  • American Osteopathic Association

  • Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research.

• Specialty Medical Societies:

  • American Academy of Family Physicians

  • American Academy of Pediatrics

  • American College of Physicians

  • American College of Emergency Physicians

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

  • Infectious Diseases Society of America.

• State Medical Associations:
  • Including the Alaska State Medical Association, California Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Medical Society of the State of New York, and 29 additional state organizations.

• Subspecialty and Additional Professional Organizations:

  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

  • American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists

  • American Thoracic Society

  • Society of Critical Care Medicine

  • Society of Hospital Medicine

  • GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality

  • Korean American Medical Association

  • Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

  • Society for Pediatric Dermatology.

Clinical Context

The coalition’s statement was issued as the country transitioned out of a severe 2024–2025 respiratory virus season, which was characterized by heightened influenza transmission. Rather than detailing the federal changes in review protocols, the letter focused on reinforcing current clinical guidance and ensuring equitable vaccine access.

This joint effort represents one of the most comprehensive displays of unified medical advocacy on vaccine policy in recent years, encompassing nearly all major medical specialties and state associations across the United States.

Source: AMA