National Black Church Initiative and ACHDC Issue Statement on Childhood Vaccine Policy Changes

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino faith communities comprising 27.7 million members, and the American Clinical Health Disparities Commission (ACHDC) are expressing serious concerns about President Trump's vaccine order and its potential impact on the health of Americans. NBCI and ACHDC question the scientific basis for the order and believe it could create unnecessary confusion surrounding childhood immunizations. The order includes changes affecting childhood immunizations and references a possible relationship between vaccines and autism, a connection that numerous medical and public health organizations have said is not supported by scientific evidence. Physicians and medical organizations have also raised concerns that the changes could increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease.

Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the National Black Church Initiative, says: “According to medical experts with the American Clinical Health Disparities Commission, the President's vaccine order is extremely dangerous for all Americans. We will only follow a doctor’s recommendations. The President is not a doctor.

“Vaccines are good for America. NBCI is proud to let its 27.7 million members know that a substantial body of scientific evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. We believe the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks, which is why we encourage individuals and families to consult their primary care doctors. NBCI eagerly and continuously seeks partnerships with BIO, Pharma, the CDC, NIH, health foundations, and state and local health departments to promote immunization for all Americans. Let's keep America healthy and vaccinated.”

Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), who last year provided a key vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary, also criticized the proposed changes in an August 10th Associated Press article (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/aug/10/ohio-republicans-max-miller-domestic-abuse-allegations-us-politics-live-latest-news) saying, “Breaking up vaccines will mean children have to get more shots to get the same protection, not fewer shots. It will increase hesitancy and make children less safe.” Cassidy said. Senator Cassidy also called the order “wrong” and “inaccurate.” Senator Cassidy also said in a post on X, “Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also criticized the administration’s vaccine recommendations. AAP President Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, said that extensive research involving millions of people has found no link between vaccines and autism and expressed concern that the announcement could increase public confusion about vaccination.
“Delaying or skipping shots is risky, especially as measles continues to spread and children go back to school,” Racine said on the AAP website (publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/35792/AAP-Executive-order-to-reduce-childhood-vaccines).

Other medical organizations, including the American College of Physicians (ACP), have also expressed concerns. ACP President Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH, in an August 10th post on the ACP website (https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/american-college-of-physicians-executive-order-directing-changes-to-us-vaccine-schedule-problematic) said the organization saw no new evidence justifying significant changes to childhood immunization guidance.

“If implemented, the changes could increase costs for patients and families, including additional copays, while also placing a greater financial burden on families needing to schedule multiple doctor visits,” he continued.

NBCI’s publication, *Vaccines Are Good for America*, includes the subtitle “Why All the Confusion?” The report seeks to address questions and concerns surrounding vaccine effectiveness, particularly within African American communities where NBCI believes additional vaccine education and outreach are needed. The American Clinical Health Disparities Commission (ACHDC) is working with NBCI to provide clinical guidance concerning vaccine education for the public.

About the National Black Church Initiative

The National Black Church Initiative is a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino faith communities comprising 27.7 million members. NBCI works to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, the environment, and economic opportunity. Its programs combine faith, credible research, and practical strategies to address complex economic and social challenges.

About the American Clinical Health Disparities Commission

The American Clinical Health Disparities Commission (ACHDC) is a coalition of African American and Latino clinicians and clergy that educates, generates interest, and works to improve clinical trial participation among NBCI’s constituents. ACHDC is an accredited provider of continuing medical education with a catalog of clinician and patient education focused on unconscious bias, health inequities, and diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

Anthony Evans
National Black Church Initiative
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