Agency advisory panel rejects combined MMRV vaccine for kids under 4 years old
In a series of recent events, the US vaccination landscape is undergoing significant changes. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which guides US vaccination schedules, has voted against the combined MMRV (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella) vaccine for children under 4 years old. This decision comes in the absence of new scientific data, according to a spokesperson for Merck, the manufacturer of the MMRV shot.
The vote saw eight committee members voting against combo vaccine shots, while three voted against separate vaccine administration. Notably, the microbiologist and immunologist Susan Monarez, who served as CDC director briefly before resigning amid disagreements over vaccine policy, was among those who abstained due to a conflict of interest.
The Kennedy administration, backed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is pushing for these changes. They are also advocating for restricting eligibility for US COVID-19 shots and increasing federal support for state vaccine immunity. However, the specific reasons for these policy shifts have not been detailed.
The committee's decisions are also used as guidance for the CDC on US vaccination schedules. In a separate development, the CDC advisers have delayed the expected vote on the use of the hepatitis B vaccine shot for newborns.
The Kennedy administration's push for changes in vaccine policies does not seem to be limited to the MMRV and hepatitis B vaccines. However, the article does not provide information on any potential side effects or benefits of separate vaccine administration or administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns separately.
The committee has warned parents not to use the MMRV vaccine for their kids due to safety concerns, but the specific safety issues were not detailed in the provided paragraph.
In a related development, Merck's spokesperson stated that the vote contrasts with years of evidence affirming the current immunization schedule. It's important to note that the article does not specify what these years of evidence entail.
These developments mark a significant shift in US vaccination policies, and further information is expected to be revealed in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates.
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