CDC and Kennedy Panels Align on MMRV Vaccine Restrictions for Under-4s
CDC and RFK Jr.'s advisory panels voted 8-3 to restrict the combined MMRV vaccine for children under four, citing febrile seizure risks, and are considering delaying the Hepatitis B vaccine.
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Overview
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken control of federal health agencies, including the CDC, replacing expert panels with new advisors, sparking concern among former CDC leaders.
- The CDC's ACIP and RFK Jr.'s advisory panel both voted 8-3 to recommend new restrictions on the combined MMRV vaccine for children under four years old.
- The MMRV vaccine restriction for younger children stems from doctors' awareness of an increased, typically harmless, risk of febrile seizures in this age group.
- Restricting MMRV vaccine options for younger children could limit parental choices and potentially lead to a decline in immunization rates against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- The ACIP is also considering delaying the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine until a child is at least one month old, moving from the current recommendation of birth.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the controversial nature of the CDC advisory committee's decisions, linking them directly to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence and his appointment of "vaccine-skeptical" members. They highlight warnings from medical experts and CDC scientists about potential negative public health impacts, such as increased illness and confusion, while portraying the process as politicized and lacking credibility.
"The committee’s recommendation isn’t final."
NBC News"The changes that have been proposed could result in major disruptions and more illness, experts warned."
ABC News"The panel of vaccine advisors hand-selected by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted on Thursday to change the federal vaccine recommendations for children, removing safe, well-established vaccine doses from current schedules and realizing Kennedy's anti-vaccine agenda to erode federal vaccine policy and sow distrust."
ARS Technica"The ACIP’s vote to entirely recommend against the MMRV vaccine for children under four will effectively remove a family’s right to decide which shot their children receive."
Gizmodo"The meeting comes on the heels of a contentious Senate hearing on Wednesday with the recently-ousted CDC director Susan Monarez."
NPR"The CDC’s former director Susan Monarez and former chief medical officer Debra Houry took questions from a Senate committee on Wednesday, painting a picture of a health agency in turmoil—and at risk of harming the people it is meant to serve."
MIT Technology Review"Some doctors and public health experts say they are not aware of any new safety data that would explain the revisiting of those vaccination recommendations."
ABC News"The committee's decisions have a significant influence on who will have access to COVID vaccines this fall and whether babies get vaccinated against Hepatitis B."
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FAQ
They restricted the MMRV vaccine for children under four due to an increased risk of febrile seizures in this age group, which is typically harmless but prompts caution.
Restricting the MMRV vaccine for younger children could limit parental vaccine options and may lead to a decline in immunization rates against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The ACIP is considering delaying the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine from birth to at least one month of age.
Currently, the MMRV vaccine is typically given from 12 months through 12 years of age, with the first dose at 12 through 15 months and the second dose at 4 through 6 years.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken control of federal health agencies, including the CDC, replacing expert panels with new advisors.
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