Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s hand-picked Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) experienced significant setbacks during its recent two-day meeting. The panel, comprised of individuals with questionable qualifications and a history of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric, grappled with internal conflicts and a glaring lack of data to support their proposed changes to vaccination schedules.
The initial chaos involved a confusing back-and-forth regarding the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine. After initially voting to restrict access for children under four, the committee reversed course, only to reverse itself again, finally aligning their recommendation with the initial restriction. This demonstrated a troubling lack of cohesion and understanding of the implications of their decisions.
The most significant turmoil surrounded a proposed alteration to the hepatitis B vaccination schedule. The panel considered delaying the first dose from birth to at least one month, citing concerns about parental trust in vaccines, rather than any safety data. Presenting expert testimony, Dr. Adam Langer, Acting Principal Deputy Director of the CDC's National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, emphasized the safety and efficacy of the current universal birth dose. He highlighted the serious risks of delaying vaccination, given hepatitis B's high infectivity and potential for chronic liver damage and cancer, particularly in newborns. Dr. Langer underscored the absence of any evidence suggesting a benefit to delaying vaccination.
Panel members, however, raised concerns about parental apprehension. Dr. Robert Malone, known for his false claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to AIDS, argued the proposed change was about restoring parental trust, rather than evidence-based decision-making. This position highlighted the committee's susceptibility to misinformation and its prioritization of public perception over scientific evidence.
Ultimately, the committee's internal contradictions and the lack of data to support their recommendations led to a decision to indefinitely table a vote on the hepatitis B vaccination schedule. The confusing language used in the proposed vote further exacerbated the situation. This stunning development underscores the significant challenges posed by a panel heavily influenced by anti-vaccine sentiment, and raises serious concerns about its ability to provide sound public health guidance.
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Originally published at: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/09/rfk-jr-s-anti-vaccine-panel-realizes-it-has-no-idea-what-its-doing-skips-vote/
