Dr. George Kuchel, Professor of Medicine, Director of the UConn Center on Aging and the NIA UConn Older Americans Independence Pepper Center, UConn Health, has been invited by Xavier Becerra, The Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to serve on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices provides advice and guidance to the Secretary, HHS, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Director, CDC, regarding the most appropriate selection of vaccines and related agents for effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases in the civilian population.

“I am honored to have been nominated by my colleagues for this position,” says Kuchel. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fact that frail older adults are especially likely to develop severe complications and even dying when confronted with varied infections.”

The ACIP develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations, including ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, time between doses, and precautions and contraindications. Guidelines for adults are published as “Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States” once a year.

“My colleagues and I who provide care for older adults and conduct aging research, look forward to playing our part in promoting health and independence in older adults through the judicious use of effective vaccines,” says Kuchel.

The ACIP holds three regular meetings each year, in addition to emergency sessions, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose is to review scientific data and vote on vaccine recommendations.

Kuchel’s 4-year term will begin on July 1, 2024. The committee meets three times a year, evaluates scientific evidence and develops guidelines and recommendations.