The CDC’s new vaccine advisory panel has made a controversial call: It has pushed back the recommended age for the combined MMRV vaccine. The vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
In an 8-1 vote with three abstaining, the CDC’s advisory committee said Thursday that the combined MMRV shot shouldn’t be given before age 4. That’s a change from the typical approach, where toddlers usually start at 12 months.
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Instead, children under 4 are now advised to receive two separate shots: one for MMR and one for varicella. However, parents can still express a preference for the combined shot.
The panel was presented with new data for the vaccine that shows a slightly increased risk of febrile seizures. It’s a generally harmless side effect seen in younger toddlers when the combo shot is administered.
Critics, however, argue that the change was not about new science.
A spokesperson for Merck, which makes the combination MMRV shot, said the recent advisory committee vote and discussion “occurred in the absence of new scientific data and in contrast to years of evidence affirming the current immunization schedule.”
The vote now goes to the CDC director for final approval. Historically, that’s just a formality.
Previous panel controversy
The change comes amid Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to rewrite U.S. immunization policy.
The panel that voted on the change was recently overhauled. Back in June, Kennedy dismissed the entire vaccine advisory panel, replacing them with eight new advisors.
The advisors Kennedy selected are all doctors or hold a Ph.D., but some have controversial views on vaccines. Critics contend Kennedy’s new appointees have a history of questioning vaccines that have already been proven safe and effective.
Since joining the Trump administration, Kennedy has made other changes and adjustments to the nation’s health agencies. He recently defended those changes in front of Congress.
The secretary said his actions are all necessary to restore public trust in health care. Kennedy said:
“CDC failed that responsibility miserably during COVID when its disastrous, nonsensical policies destroyed small businesses, violated civil liberties, closed our schools and caused generational damage in doing so, masked infants with no science and heightened economic inequality. That’s why we need bold, competent, creative, new leadership at CDC. People able and willing to chart a new course.”
The panel’s meeting on Thursday was the first time they’ve met since Kennedy appointed the new members.
Reuters is reporting that Thursday’s meeting was marked by points of confusion, as members asked about procedure and the impact their decisions have on health insurance coverage.
One member chose to abstain from voting and expressed confusion over what exactly he was voting for.
The panel meets again on Friday to discuss COVID and hepatitis B guidance.
