New Vaccine Panel to Review Childhood Immunization Schedules

Appointment of New Advisory Committee Members Raises Concerns

A new advisory panel is set to reassess the vaccination schedules for children and teens. This follows a controversial decision by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to replace the previous committee, sparking immediate criticism from public health experts.

Panel’s First Meeting and Initial Focus

The newly assembled Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened for the first time on Wednesday. The ACIP is responsible for providing immunization recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“I cannot think of any rational reason you would look at that and think it to be the case,”

—Bill Hanage, Professor of Epidemiology

At the meeting, the new chair, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, revealed he was fired from Harvard University for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The panel will examine child vaccination schedules and vaccines approved over seven years ago. It is also reviewing the use of hepatitis B vaccines for newborns and measles vaccine schedules.

According to the CDC, routine childhood vaccinations have declined in recent years, increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the most significant disruption, with vaccination coverage rates for MMR and DTaP vaccines dropping below 90% in 2020.

Concerns and Criticisms

The panel’s composition, including several vaccine critics, has raised concerns among public health professionals and politicians. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, expressed skepticism about the new panel. He cited the lack of experience of the members in fields like microbiology, epidemiology, or immunology.

Additionally, the panel’s discussion of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, is perplexing, as it hasn’t been used in most vaccines for many years. Furthermore, one of the initially selected members, Dr. Michael Ross, withdrew before the first meeting.

The health secretary has chosen a panel of individuals with a history of anti-vaccine bias, according to Dr. Paul Offit, a former ACIP member. Lyn Redwood, a former leader of an anti-vaccine group previously run by Kennedy, is slated to present on thimerosal use in vaccines.

Looking Ahead

The ACIP’s recommendations significantly influence vaccination practices. The choices made by the new panel could have significant implications for public health. The delay of a vote on RSV vaccine recommendations further highlights the evolving situation.