Overview

• Health Minister Orazio Schillaci revoked the August 5 decree naming 22 members to the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group following backlash over two nominees linked to anti-vaccine positions.
• Palazzo Chigi expressed irritation that Schillaci had not secured prior agreement from the prime minister’s office but stopped short of calling for his ouster.
• Schillaci defended his move as a decision guided by medical conscience and reaffirmed his commitment to evidence-based vaccination policy.
• Forza Italia publicly backed the revocation while other coalition parties largely stayed silent, signaling eased tensions within the government majority.
• The ministry will consult scientific bodies, professional orders and universities to define transparent selection rules for a reconstituted advisory committee.