In Atlanta on Wednesday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly appointed vaccine advisers stirred concerns among pediatricians by indicating plans to reevaluate certain established topics surrounding childhood vaccinations.
As the inaugural meeting of the seven-member panel appointed by Kennedy unfolded, committee chairman Martin Kulldorff announced the formation of a work group tasked with examining the “cumulative effect” of the current schedule of childhood vaccinations. This schedule outlines when various immunizations are administered throughout a child’s development.
Kulldorff revealed that the committee would also assess the administration of two specific vaccines: one for hepatitis B, a virus that attacks the liver, and another that combines chickenpox vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
This development showcases the transformation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices under Kennedy’s leadership—a noted antivaccine advocate prior to assuming his current role. He recently discharged the former 17-member panel and replaced it with individuals, some of whom are known to express vaccine skepticism.
Kulldorff remarked, “Vaccines are not all good or bad,” highlighting an ongoing process of learning more about vaccinations over time and the need to remain updated. This communicates a theme familiar to vaccine skeptics, suggesting that perhaps children receive too many vaccines too quickly or that certain ingredients might accumulate to harmful levels. According to scientists, these concerns have been thoroughly investigated with no evidence of adverse impacts.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, pointed out that today’s children encounter fewer antigens, the components that prompt immune response, compared to past generations, due to advancements in vaccine technology.
On Wednesday, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced it would continue issuing its independent version of the childhood vaccine schedule. Dr. Sean O’Leary, representing the AAP, stated, “The narrative that current vaccine policies are flawed and need ‘fixing’ is a distortion,” emphasizing the fiscal savings and preserved lives that current policies have ensured.
Originally established over six decades ago, the ACIP assists the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in deciding the timeline and recipients of vaccinations for numerous diseases. Their guidance significantly influences insurance coverage for vaccinations and their availability at locations like pharmacies.
Following Kennedy’s abrupt reorganization of the expert panel, several senior CDC vaccine scientists have either resigned or transitioned away from their prior roles. Additionally, shortly before the meeting, a Virginia obstetrician and gynecologist appointed to the committee stepped down, coinciding with a routine review of financial interests.
Kennedy has already bypassed the committee concerning COVID-19 vaccinations, announcing they will no longer be recommended for healthy children or pregnant women. Yet, CDC scientists emphasized the importance of vaccination as “the best protection” during pregnancy, highlighting data that shows a majority of children hospitalized for COVID-19 over the past year were unvaccinated.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 remains a public health concern, resulting in significant hospitalizations and thousands of deaths over the last year, with the elderly and children under two, particularly infants under six months, being most vulnerable.
While the new advisers did not vote on Kennedy’s COVID-19 updates, the decision raises uncertainty about the accessibility of vaccinations this fall. Some committee members questioned the reliability of real-world data tracking vaccine safety.
Additionally, the committee discussed the virus RSV, responsible for common cold symptoms that can be severe in infants. In 2023, to combat RSV, U.S. health professionals recommended two new protective measures — a laboratory-developed antibody for newborns and a vaccine for pregnant women. Reportedly, the new antibody reduces emergency visits by up to 76% in infants
The panel postponed a vote until Thursday on whether to suggest a recently approved antibody shot from another company.
The committee usually re-evaluates flu vaccine guidance during its June meetings, providing input for the upcoming autumn vaccination campaign. However, a pending vote on Thursday concerning thimerosal, a preservative in some flu vaccines, is expected to generate debate.
Previously, groups opposing vaccines have incorrectly linked thimerosal to autism. In response, the CDC made available a new study reiterating that no association exists between thimerosal and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. By Wednesday afternoon, this report was withdrawn from the committee’s online portal.