NEW YORK (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s newly constituted vaccine advisory committee is convening this week, with significant votes expected regarding recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox vaccinations. The specific agenda items for Thursday and Friday's meetings in Atlanta remain unclear, as the Department of Health and Human Services has not disclosed details.
Concerns among public health experts have emerged, fearing that the committee's discussions may raise unnecessary doubts about vaccines in the minds of parents. More critically, there are worries that votes could restrict access to vaccines for low-income families through government funding.
Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccines expert, expressed his apprehension, saying, “I’m tightening my seat belt.” The committee, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), provides recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how vaccines should be administered. Historically, these recommendations have been closely followed by healthcare providers.
Kennedy, previously a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, dismissed the entire previous panel and populated the new committee with members who share his skepticism towards vaccines. This transformation has drawn criticism and sparked discussions about the implications for public health.
This week, the committee will review three vaccines:
COVID-19: Under Kennedy's leadership, ACIP previously refrained from endorsing COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women, contradicting prior norms. Upcoming votes could solidify past decisions or potentially limit the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to children, raising alarms among pediatricians regarding access to these essential immunizations.
Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine is critical in preventing chronic infections, especially for infants born to infected mothers. Despite its success, ACIP members hinted at reevaluating guidance regarding infant vaccinations, prompting concern from experts who note that previous screenings often missed cases.
Chickenpox (MMRV): The committee will also revisit recommendations for the MMRV vaccine, addressing concerns over adverse reactions in children who receive the combination shot. Although established evidence supports the safety of existing protocols, the committee's changes might contribute to confusion and distrust surrounding vaccinations.
The dialogue surrounding these recommendations underscores the ongoing tensions and evolving narratives around vaccination practices in the U.S.
Concerns among public health experts have emerged, fearing that the committee's discussions may raise unnecessary doubts about vaccines in the minds of parents. More critically, there are worries that votes could restrict access to vaccines for low-income families through government funding.
Dr. William Schaffner, a vaccines expert, expressed his apprehension, saying, “I’m tightening my seat belt.” The committee, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), provides recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how vaccines should be administered. Historically, these recommendations have been closely followed by healthcare providers.
Kennedy, previously a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, dismissed the entire previous panel and populated the new committee with members who share his skepticism towards vaccines. This transformation has drawn criticism and sparked discussions about the implications for public health.
This week, the committee will review three vaccines:
COVID-19: Under Kennedy's leadership, ACIP previously refrained from endorsing COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women, contradicting prior norms. Upcoming votes could solidify past decisions or potentially limit the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to children, raising alarms among pediatricians regarding access to these essential immunizations.
Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine is critical in preventing chronic infections, especially for infants born to infected mothers. Despite its success, ACIP members hinted at reevaluating guidance regarding infant vaccinations, prompting concern from experts who note that previous screenings often missed cases.
Chickenpox (MMRV): The committee will also revisit recommendations for the MMRV vaccine, addressing concerns over adverse reactions in children who receive the combination shot. Although established evidence supports the safety of existing protocols, the committee's changes might contribute to confusion and distrust surrounding vaccinations.
The dialogue surrounding these recommendations underscores the ongoing tensions and evolving narratives around vaccination practices in the U.S.
