CDC Vaccine Policy in Turmoil: Kennedy Sparks Controversy
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reorganized the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, stirring controversy with proposals to alter children's vaccine schedules. His reforms include reducing the use of the combined MMR-varicella vaccine and delaying the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, prompting significant debate among medical professionals.
In a controversial move, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, dramatically scaling down its membership from 17 to 12, with many new members opposing traditional vaccine recommendations. His reforms have sparked widespread debate and significant backlash within the medical community.
Among the proposed changes being discussed is the potential scaling back of the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under four, due to concerns over an increased risk of seizures. This aligns with the current CDC recommendation to offer separate MMR and varicella shots unless parents prefer the combined vaccine.
The panel will also consider modifying the hepatitis B vaccination schedule for newborns, potentially delaying it to one month or making it contingent on shared decision-making with mothers. This proposal comes despite evidence suggesting that risk-based approaches in the past were less effective in combating the virus.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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