Fact Check: "ACIP members were asked to disclose conflicts before their first meeting."
What We Know
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) requires its members to disclose any potential or perceived conflicts of interest at the beginning of each meeting. This process is outlined in their policies and procedures, which state that the Chair calls for conflict of interest disclosures from each voting member at the opening of the meeting and prior to any votes taken. Members who declare a conflict are instructed to recuse themselves from participating in discussions and votes regarding any products for which they have a conflict of interest (CDC).
The requirement for disclosure is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and integrity in the committee's decision-making processes. The CDC has also launched a tool that allows the public to search for conflicts of interest disclosures made by ACIP members dating back to 2000 (CIDRAP).
Analysis
The claim that ACIP members were asked to disclose conflicts before their first meeting is supported by the established procedures of the committee. The CDC's official documentation confirms that at every ACIP meeting, members are required to disclose any conflicts of interest, which is a standard practice aimed at maintaining the integrity of the committee's work.
The sources used to verify this claim are credible, as they come directly from official CDC publications and tools designed for public transparency. The CDC's policies are authoritative and provide a clear framework for how conflicts of interest are managed within the ACIP. Additionally, the launch of a public tool for tracking these disclosures (CIDRAP) further emphasizes the commitment to transparency.
While some discussions around ACIP's transparency have been critical (Think Global Health), the fundamental requirement for conflict disclosure at the start of meetings is consistently upheld in the committee's procedures. This indicates a robust system for managing potential conflicts of interest.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that ACIP members were asked to disclose conflicts before their first meeting is accurate. The procedures in place require members to declare any conflicts at the beginning of each meeting, thereby ensuring transparency and integrity in their decision-making processes.
