Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence on US vaccine policy is reaching a critical juncture. His handpicked Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is poised to potentially alter the landscape of vaccine availability, focusing on MMR, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 shots. This move marks a significant departure from the ACIP's historically evidence-based approach, raising concerns among public health experts.
The traditional ACIP operates under a consensus-driven model, basing its recommendations on robust scientific evidence. However, Kennedy's reconstituted committee is prompting unease. Jason Schwartz, a vaccine policy expert at the Yale School of Public Health, highlights the ACIP's long-standing role as a cornerstone of US vaccination strategy. This shift is further complicated by the recent release of immunization guidelines by several Democratic governors, seemingly streamlining access to the upcoming COVID-19 booster.
The committee's agenda includes discussions on the safety and delivery of various vaccines. While a Health and Human Services spokesperson claims Kennedy is restoring public trust through this panel, critics question the lack of new data supporting significant policy alterations. The focus on the MMRV vaccine is particularly noteworthy. While a small increased risk of seizures in young children has been linked to the MMRV vaccine, many doctors already administer the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine separately from the varicella vaccine to mitigate this risk.
The planned discussion around COVID-19 vaccines raises further concerns. The agenda includes a debate on the appropriate use of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a system that some believe is susceptible to overinterpretation of data. While any connection to autism is likely to remain unaddressed directly, the lingering – and debunked – theory linking vaccines to autism, alongside Kennedy's upcoming report on autism's causes, serves as a significant undercurrent to the discussions.
Ultimately, the meeting represents a pivotal moment for US vaccine policy. The potential shift from an evidence-based, consensus-driven approach to one influenced by potentially controversial viewpoints has significant implications for public health and underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy.
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Originally published at: https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/rfk-vaccine-advisers-meeting
