In a notable change to public health recommendations, a prominent US vaccine advisory committee has decided to discontinue its routine recommendation for all adults to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. This updated guidance, which marks a departure from the annual vaccination advice previously given since the pandemic began, now suggests that adults should consult with medical professionals to make individual decisions about the vaccine. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (Acip) also narrowly voted against advocating for the Covid vaccine as a standard prescription.
During a two-day meeting, the Acip also revised its recommendations concerning the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, deciding to endorse separate vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, alongside a distinct one for varicella, for young children. This comes after an initial vote against the combined MMRV shot for children aged four and under, a move criticized by the American Medical Association for potentially confusing parents.
The committee also postponed a decision on the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns whose mothers have tested negative for the virus during pregnancy. This delay continues a period of uncertainty surrounding the hepatitis B vaccine, despite scientific consensus on its safety and effectiveness in preventing the liver disease.
The discussions surrounding these vaccine recommendations have taken place against a backdrop of significant changes within the health administration. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about vaccines, reportedly replaced all members of the Acip committee in June and appointed new members. Critics have raised concerns about these actions, particularly in light of his previous public questioning of vaccine safety and efficacy. One incident highlighted in reports involved the dismissal of the former chief of the vaccine panel, Susan Monarez, who stated she was fired for resisting policy changes not supported by scientific evidence.