For the first time, a pharmacist has been appointed as a voting member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Hillary F. Blackburn, PharmD, MBA, of Franklin, Tennessee, will bring the pharmacist perspective to this influential group that helps shape national vaccine recommendations.

Why This Matters

ACIP’s recommendations directly impact insurance coverage for vaccines and determine what vaccines pharmacists can administer in many states. By adding a pharmacist to the committee, HHS and CDC are recognizing the critical role pharmacists play in expanding access to immunizations and improving public health.

The appointment was strongly supported by three major pharmacy organizations—the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Together, they advocated for pharmacy representation to ensure vaccine policy reflects the realities of patient care in pharmacies and health systems nationwide.

Pharmacy’s Expanding Role in Immunization

Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals, providing millions of vaccines each year in community, health-system, and clinic settings. Blackburn’s appointment highlights the growing recognition of pharmacists as essential partners in public health efforts, particularly in vaccine delivery.

By having a pharmacist on ACIP, vaccine recommendations can better reflect the practical realities of administration, patient access, and equitable delivery across diverse populations.