By: TPS
Kennedy appointed eight new members to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panel (ACIP), some of whom have questioned vaccine requirements or past CDC policies. The changes have alarmed many public health experts, former committee members, and lawmakers, who worry the move could politicize vaccine policy.
The ACIP plays a crucial role in determining the U.S. vaccine schedule, which influences decisions made by doctors, insurance companies, and schools. It also affects public health programs such as Vaccines for Children, which provides free shots to nearly half of U.S. children.
The new panel is expected to review long-standing recommendations for vaccines such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shot and the hepatitis B vaccine. Critics say changing these schedules could confuse doctors and insurers and make it harder for children to get vaccinated.
Some medical groups are urging insurance companies to stick to existing guidelines, but without clear CDC recommendations, coverage for certain vaccines could be in question, as they usually follow CDC guidelines.
Health experts warn that diseases like measles and whooping cough are already on the rise, especially in areas with low vaccination rates and trouble. They say a strong and consistent national vaccine policy is more important than ever.
