IFM | How we create vaccine guidance

In this episode of the Inside Family Medicine podcast, host Michael Monroe talks with Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, AAFP chief medical officer and senior vice president for education, inclusiveness and physician well-being, and Danielle Carter, MD, FAAFP, about how the Academy develops evidence-based immunization recommendations in a changing vaccine policy environment.

They explain how the AAFP historically worked alongside the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other medical organizations to review vaccine evidence and translate it into practical guidance for family physicians. Savoy and Carter discuss why that process needed to evolve beginning in 2025 and how the AAFP has built a new approach designed to preserve rigorous evidence review, transparency and independence from nonscientific influence.

They walk through the new process, including evidence synthesis from the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP), collaboration with other medical societies and review by the AAFP's Vaccine Evidence Review Council, Commission on Health of the Public and Science (CHPS) and Board of Directors. The goal remains the same: provide recommendations that family physicians can trust and realistically implement in everyday practice.

The episode also turns to the questions physicians are hearing from patients as respiratory virus season begins. Carter reviews common questions surrounding COVID-19, RSV and influenza vaccination and discusses how family physicians can tailor recommendations to each patient's age, health conditions, pregnancy status and individual concerns. Savoy and Carter emphasize that vaccine hesitancy is often an opportunity for conversation rather than a simple yes-or-no position, and that listening to patients' concerns can strengthen trust well beyond immunization decisions.

References and resources

• Immunization and vaccine schedules and resources

• Respiratory virus vaccines: Clinical guidance and resources

• Familydoctor.org

Topics by Timestamp

00:00 Vaccine Hesitancy
00:55 How AAFP vaccine recommendations were traditionally developed
03:44 Why the vaccine recommendation process changed
05:22 How the AAFP's new evidence review process works
08:39 Family physicians take the lead in reviewing evidence
11:18 How recommendations receive final AAFP approval
13:53 What patients are asking about fall vaccines
15:58 COVID-19, RSV and flu recommendations
18:28 Talking with patients who have vaccine concerns
21:31 Why trusted family physicians still make a difference

Disclaimer

Copyright 2026. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP. The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice. AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of the American Academy of Family Physicians.