ATLANTA — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new team of vaccine advisers held their first meeting amidst growing concerns regarding vaccine accessibility for Americans.
On the agenda was a contentious issue: Kennedy has already declared that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. Surprisingly, his appointed advisers had not yet voted on this significant change, even as government scientists presented material insisting that vaccination is still "the best protection" during pregnancy. They also noted that most children hospitalized for COVID-19 in the past year were unvaccinated.
The threat of COVID-19 continues to loom, resulting in thousands of deaths and hospitalizations in the U.S. since last fall. Children under two, especially infants, are at the highest risk, and moms who receive vaccinations during pregnancy can provide some protection to their newborns.
This week’s two-day meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) certainly does not feel like normal business. Just prior to the meeting, a prominent obstetrician from Virginia resigned, leaving the panel with only seven members. The Trump administration stated that Dr. Michael Ross stepped down during a routine financial review of committee members.
Adding to the turmoil, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced it will publish its own vaccine schedule independently, criticizing ACIP as "no longer credible." Established over 60 years ago, ACIP provides recommendations that significantly influence vaccination policies and insurance coverage for a variety of diseases.
Earlier this month, Kennedy dismissed the previous 17-member panel and appointed eight replacements, some of whom are known for their skepticism towards vaccines. Several top vaccine scientists at the CDC have also either resigned or been reassigned.
These unexpected changes prompted a request from Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican physician, to postpone the meeting. He expressed concerns that many members of Kennedy’s new panel may not possess adequate expertise and might have biases against new vaccine technologies.
During a House hearing, Kennedy defended his decision, claiming the previous committee represented "a template for medical malpractice." In stark contrast, Democratic Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician, criticized him harshly, stating that the blame for any future vaccine-preventable deaths would fall on him.
Committee to Vote on RSV Protections
As the meeting commenced, the agenda was abruptly modified. Discussions on COVID-19 vaccinations kicked off the session, and later, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) was set for a vote. The committee will also address fall flu vaccinations and consider the use of preservatives in certain flu shots.
RSV is a common virus that can cause severe symptoms in infants. Recently, U.S. health officials began recommending two new protective measures for infants, which experts believe have already led to improvements in infant mortality.
While the committee prepares to discuss RSV, its specific voting language was not unveiled prior to the meeting. As discussions proceed, public health experts have raised concerns that recommendations for healthy pregnant women and children may be softened even though they are at risk from preventable diseases.
Flu Shot Recommendations Under Debate
Typically, ACIP updates its guidelines for flu vaccinations for Americans aged six months and older during its June meetings. However, due to recent changes within the committee and federal health leadership, the treatment of these routine topics remains uncertain.
Thursday is expected to bring further controversy as the committee will contemplate a preservative in some flu shots, which Kennedy and certain anti-vaccine advocates falsely claim is linked to autism. The CDC has shared new reports reaffirming that there is no connection between the preservative, thimerosal, and autism or any neurodevelopmental disorders.
Public health experts suggest that the agenda appears to reflect an unsettling mix of standard ACIP discussions and potential conspiracy theories. The committee’s recommendations have traditionally gone to the CDC director, but the absence of a CDC head has led to Kennedy receiving those recommendations directly, with some still awaiting his action from earlier meetings.
The current nominee for CDC director, Susan Monarez, is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee for her confirmation.
Overall, the new direction under Kennedy’s leadership raises critical questions about the future of vaccine recommendations in the United States.
