In brief
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is meeting to vote on changes to childhood immunizations, including the hepatitis B and MMRV vaccines. Critics fear that proposed alterations could undermine community health efforts, especially concerning the efficacy and necessity of COVID-19 vaccinations. The panel's direction raises alarms among public health experts following recent changes made under Kennedy's leadership.
ATLANTA (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine advisory committee will convene for a two-day session, addressing vaccinations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox starting Thursday.
Decisions are anticipated on hepatitis B and a combined measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox shot, with uncertainty surrounding specific agenda items from the Department of Health and Human Services.
A recent meeting agenda hints at possible rollbacks on long-standing recommendations, specifically the routine administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns. This practice, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has significantly reduced liver disease incidence in children, according to Dr. Mysheika Roberts of Columbus, Ohio.
“If it’s not broken, why change it?” Roberts stated after being dropped from the panel. Concerns are rising that altering vaccine recommendations may instill doubt among parents regarding their children's immunization needs.
Martin Kulldorff, committee chair, is proposing a review that might limit the MMRV combination shot to children over age 4, following findings of occasional cases of feverish seizures in younger recipients.
Historically, the ACIP has not revisited the MMRV shot guidelines since 2009, which currently favor administering separate vaccines for early doses. Doctors argue that they are unaware of any new safety data justifying this reconsideration, fearing it might complicate parental decisions regarding vaccinations.
Notably, Kennedy's recent changes to CDC recommendations—removing COVID-19 vaccinations from guidance for healthy individuals—has prompted backlash from medical communities, including a lawsuit from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
As the committee prepares to vote, there are growing concerns about its impact on vaccination programs nationwide, with several states proactively promoting access to vaccines amid shifting federal stances.
