Statement attributable to:

Susan R. Bailey, M.D.

President, American Medical Association

“The American Medical Association (AMA) commends the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for their efforts to ensure equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available. We strongly support ACIP’s evidence-based interim recommendation adopted today for phase 1a of the COVID-19 vaccine allocation process, which align with AMA’s public health policy and Code of Medical Ethics. By first vaccinating our frontline health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities against COVID-19, we will help ensure patients continue to receive vital care during the pandemic and safeguard those who are most at risk for severe illness and death associated with COVID-19.

“Given that COVID-19 vaccine supply won’t initially be available to the entire population, ACIP’s recommendations will be vital to prioritizing groups that should receive COVID-19 vaccine first to protect public health and reduce illness and death.

“The U.S. has a longstanding system for ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The AMA has long supported the vaccine recommendations of ACIP as the standard that physicians should follow when making decisions about vaccinating patients. The AMA serves as a liaison to ACIP and is represented on the COVID-19 work group, providing medical expertise and physician input for ACIP’s consideration when making vaccine recommendations. We will continue to promote transparency in the COVID-19 vaccine development process to build public confidence in the use of authorized and recommended vaccine products.”