The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) as part of its Vaccine Consultation Panel (VCP).
As an association representing 102 leading academic and freestanding cancer centers in North America, AACI applauds the rapid development of safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines and supports efforts to ensure their equitable distribution. Since many patients with cancer are immunosuppressed and most have serious co-morbidities that increase their risk of contracting COVID-19, vaccines are an important tool to protect this vulnerable population.
AACI was invited last summer to join the VCP alongside other leading health and science organizations in the U.S., including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association.
Through the VCP, AACI has received periodic updates on the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and participated in efforts to educate the cancer center community and the general public on the importance of widespread vaccine uptake. The association previously endorsed a widely-distributed call to action urging policymakers and other stakeholders to eliminate cervical cancer and other cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV) through high vaccine coverage.
“AACI represents a robust network of leading cancer centers with expertise in community outreach, clinical research, and public policy,” said AACI Executive Director Jennifer W. Pegher. “We look forward to leveraging these strengths in continued partnerships with government agencies and like-minded organizations.”
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AACI’s mission is to accelerate progress against cancer by enhancing the impact of North America’s leading academic cancer centers. For more information, please visit aaci-cancer.org.
