This bill, titled the "Family Vaccine Protection Act," formally establishes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Public Health Service Act. Its primary purpose is to codify ACIP's role in providing advice, guidance, and recommendations to the Director regarding the use of vaccines and related agents for controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. These recommendations must be based on a preponderance of the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence.

The legislation outlines a strict procedure for the Director's review of ACIP recommendations. The Director must adopt these recommendations unless they are determined not to be supported by the scientific evidence, in which case a public explanation and congressional notification are required. Conversely, if the Director or Secretary takes action contrary to an ACIP recommendation, a similar public justification and notification to Congress are mandated. ACIP is also tasked with considering new vaccines within 90 days of licensure and addressing breakthrough therapies or vaccines for public health emergencies.

ACIP's duties include making immunization recommendations for health plan coverage and establishing the list of vaccines for the Vaccines for Children Program. The committee's advice must detail vaccine use, contraindications, precautions, and recognized adverse events. Membership will consist of 15 to 19 individuals appointed by the Secretary, recommended by the Comptroller General, and possessing specific expertise in areas like epidemiology, immunology, and vaccine safety. Additionally, six non-voting ex-officio members from various health agencies will serve.

Beyond codifying ACIP, the legislation also amends the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. It stipulates that any removal or modification of a vaccine from the Vaccine Injury Table, or additions to the list of compensable injuries, must be supported by a preponderance of the best available scientific evidence regarding the vaccine's safety or efficacy. This ensures a scientific basis for changes to the program's coverage while not limiting the Secretary's authority to add new vaccines to the table.