{"id":1860,"date":"2025-07-01T11:04:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T11:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elderwoodwellness.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/01\/why-kennedys-overhaul-of-a-key-cdc-committee-could-lead-to-vaccine-chaos-in-the-us\/"},"modified":"2025-07-01T11:04:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T11:04:41","slug":"why-kennedys-overhaul-of-a-key-cdc-committee-could-lead-to-vaccine-chaos-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elderwoodwellness.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/01\/why-kennedys-overhaul-of-a-key-cdc-committee-could-lead-to-vaccine-chaos-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Kennedy\u2019s overhaul of a key CDC committee could lead to \u2018vaccine chaos\u2019 in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/action-bar\/instances\/cmcb5uyqp002t26p9cr9a1nzy@published\" data-label-id-prefix=\"action-bar-start-of-article\" class=\"action-bar\" 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10.5115 4.09313C10.7472 3.81028 10.709 3.3899 10.4262 3.15419L8.42616 1.48753ZM11.3327 6.66634H9.99935V5.33301H11.3327C12.4373 5.33301 13.3327 6.22844 13.3327 7.33301V12.6663C13.3327 13.7709 12.4373 14.6663 11.3327 14.6663H4.66602C3.56145 14.6663 2.66602 13.7709 2.66602 12.6663V7.33301C2.66602 6.22844 3.56145 5.33301 4.66602 5.33301H5.99935V6.66634H4.66602C4.29783 6.66634 3.99935 6.96482 3.99935 7.33301V12.6663C3.99935 13.0345 4.29783 13.333 4.66602 13.333H11.3327C11.7009 13.333 11.9993 13.0345 11.9993 12.6663V7.33301C11.9993 6.96482 11.7009 6.66634 11.3327 6.66634Z\" fill=\"#0C0C0C\"><\/path><\/svg>            <\/button>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5uyqp002v26p93e3gb2l7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, will gather this week for its second regular meeting of the year, but this won\u2019t be a typical meeting.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00063b6mb8nvbs68@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Two weeks ago, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of vaccine skepticism, upended the independent advisory panel and its planned agenda. All 17 of the previous members were dismissed, and eight new ones were added. Presentation topics central to anti-vaccine activists\u2019 arguments were placed on the schedule, despite studies and data about safety.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00073b6mp650t8im@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The swift changes \u2014 and concerns that the committee lacks expertise and has potential conflicts of interest \u2014 are so concerning that some public health experts and officials said the country risks shifting into \u201cvaccine chaos,\u201d with different vaccine recommendations at work, inconsistent access and uncertain insurance coverage.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00083b6murxr6gwf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThis week\u2019s meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is likely to mark its end \u2013 for now \u2013 as a vaccine advisory body,\u201d said the staff and advisers of the Vaccine Integrity Project, a group that\u2019s seeking to preserve access to vaccines in the event that the government throttles it, in a viewpoint posted Monday.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00093b6mlwqc4wkg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and co-director of the Texas Children\u2019s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said that in its new form, \u201cthe ACIP is devoid of any meaningful expertise in vaccines or infectious diseases. It is organized to pursue a pseudoscience agenda. It\u2019s a waste of taxpayer dollars that should be dissolved.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000a3b6mtm7p6zjr@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            It\u2019s a startling shift for a group that has been meeting for more than 60 years, and whose recommendations are so trusted that they\u2019re often written into state laws.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000b3b6mkjo2s5yf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            ACIP has played a pivotal role in how vaccines are used in the United States. Like an orchestra conductor, it keeps the vaccine delivery system playing well together: directing doctors and other providers on how to use vaccines, telling insurance companies when to cover vaccines, giving states guidance on which vaccines to purchase, helping cities and counties decide which vaccines are needed for school enrollment and cueing the federal government on which vaccines to purchase for low-income children.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000c3b6m11lq9te3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThose recommendations are made in harmony with the input of a lot of consultants from professional groups so that we all agree then on what the recommendations are,\u201d said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University in Nashville who has been participating in ACIP meetings for 40 years, both as a voting member and as a liaison member.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000d3b6me52dug76@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThen, those recommendations basically become the standard of practice,\u201d Schaffner said. \u201cSo that makes the delivery of vaccines very smoothly functioning. Everybody knows who ought to get the vaccines and then when they get them.\u201d    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cmcb64m8v00013b6mhu05h52w@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content-elevate related-content--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<header class=\"related-content__title related-content__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/header>\n<section class=\"related-content__body\">\n<div class=\"related-content__image image__related-content\">\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cmcaezkc6002d27p0ede2aie1@published\" class=\"image-elevate image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"c-GettyImages-2221878043.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--eq-large&quot;: 660}\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6754166666666667\" data-original-height=\"1621\" data-original-width=\"2400\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--show-credits&quot;: 525}\">       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=1x1&amp;q=h_479,w_479,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_270,w_480,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_540,w_960,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2221878043.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"image__metadata-container media__metadata-container\">\n<div class=\"image__metadata media__metadata\">\n<div itemprop=\"caption\" class=\"image__caption attribution\">    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">US Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing pressure from lawmakers over his newly appointed vaccine panel that&#8217;s set to meet for the first time this week.<\/span>  <\/div><figcaption class=\"image__credit\">Kayla Bartkowski\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content__headline\">        <span class=\"related-content__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">Pressure builds on Kennedy\u2019s vaccine panel ahead of first meeting<\/span>      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000e3b6m8a04e3di@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            With new uncertainty around ACIP, several groups, including the Vaccine Integrity Project, have taken steps to convene and shape evidence-based recommendations, even without such guidance from the CDC\u2019s advisers.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000f3b6mfco7o2kf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Some states \u2014 such as Maine, which this year celebrated record-high immunization rates in school-age kids \u2014 have also begun to strip vaccine access laws of references to ACIP recommendations.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000g3b6m9zrdtver@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            But experts are worried that a cacophony of recommendations, however well-meaning, may be confusing to insurers, health care providers and the public.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000h3b6m05jghoz3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cWe would have certainly, for a period of time, vaccine chaos,\u201d Schaffner said, \u201cBecause it would be uncertain for the providers and uncertain for the public who would be receiving the vaccines, whether your children, adolescents or adults, what was covered and what was recommended.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000i3b6mxxmt6nbz@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Plus, these outside recommendations wouldn\u2019t have the force of federal law behind them to compel insurance coverage, said Dr. Fiona Havers, a medical epidemiologist and former senior adviser on vaccine policy at the CDC. Havers recently quit over Kennedy\u2019s changes to the committee, saying she no longer had confidence that the data she generated would be viewed objectively or with appropriate scientific rigor.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cmcbc1fnw00063b6m1qe1ritw@published\" class=\"image_large-elevate image_large__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-name=\"still_21718546_0_still.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image_large--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image_large--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image_large--eq-large&quot;: 660}\" data-original-ratio=\"0.5625\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"1600\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image_large__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image_large--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image_large--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image_large--show-credits&quot;: 525}\">       <picture class=\"image_large__picture\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"679\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original&amp;q=w_679,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"967\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original&amp;q=w_967,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original&amp;q=w_860,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original&amp;q=w_860,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/still-21718546-0-still.jpg?c=original&amp;q=w_860,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"image_large__metadata-container media__metadata-container\">\n<div class=\"image_large__metadata media__metadata\">\n<div itemprop=\"caption\" class=\"image_large__caption attribution\">    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Dr. Fiona Havers, a medical epidemiologist and former senior adviser on vaccine policy at the CDC, recently quit over changes to the vaccine advisory committee.<\/span>  <\/div><figcaption class=\"image_large__credit\">CNN<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000j3b6mm1ehejqk@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIf this process continues to completely fall apart and the professional societies like the American Academy of Pediatrics put out their own schedules, that\u2019s fine, and that may be where we\u2019re going,\u201d Havers said. \u201cBut I personally would not want to trust my child\u2019s access to vaccines or my elderly parents\u2019 access to vaccines to the goodwill of the insurance companies to follow those recommendations instead of ACIP\u2019s.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000k3b6mefrefekv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Here\u2019s what to know about the CDC\u2019s vaccine committee ahead of its two-day meeting this week.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader-elevate vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cmcb5xiev001d3b6msu2v99r0@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"what-is-acip\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        What is ACIP?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000m3b6mbayq5ruc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            ACIP is a group of experts \u2014 typically with specialties in pediatrics, infectious diseases, public health or vaccines \u2014 who make recommendations to the CDC on the use of vaccines. They tend to come from universities or medical schools. Some have been doctors in private practice. There\u2019s also typically a consumer representative on the panel.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000n3b6m78vwx452@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Despite Kennedy\u2019s claims when he removed all 17 previous members of the panel this month, members of the committee are closely scrutinized for conflicts of interest, and any conflicts are publicly disclosed. Members also recuse themselves from a vote if they have a financial interest in its outcome.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000o3b6mepha6fve@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            As of Tuesday evening, HHS had not posted updated ethics statements or conflicts of interest reports for the new incoming members.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader-elevate vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cmcb5xr63001g3b6mnwnt8u1e@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"does-acip-get-the-final-say-on-vaccines\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Does ACIP get the final say on vaccines?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000q3b6mdccsf33b@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Although the US Food and Drug Administration decides whether immunizations are allowed to be used in the United States, it\u2019s the CDC\u2019s job to recommend how those products should be used. It does so based on recommendations from ACIP.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000r3b6m99x2hbje@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            After a vote, ACIP recommendations are forwarded to the CDC director for approval. The CDC isn\u2019t bound by the committee\u2019s recommendation but ordinarily follows it. The HHS secretary has the final signoff.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000s3b6mrnyxabdu@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The committee typically meets three times a year to vote on the use of vaccines in the US, and more frequently during emergencies like Covid-19, when they met as often as once a week to pore over data from around the world. These meetings, which are public and typically broadcast, can span two or even three days.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000t3b6m1d5xxfv0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Kennedy has accused ACIP of being a \u201crubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas,\u201d but the committee hasn\u2019t always recommended the use of vaccines, even when they\u2019ve already gotten approval from the FDA.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000u3b6maxuedhog@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            After data showed that the FluMist nasal spray vaccine had little to no effectiveness during the 2015-16 flu season, the committee said it shouldn\u2019t be used during the next two flu seasons. FluMist was again recommended during the 2018-19 season after data demonstrated better effectiveness.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cmcbc297900083b6mo3jz4ibx@published\" class=\"image_large-elevate image_large__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-name=\"FluMist FILE\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image_large--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image_large--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image_large--eq-large&quot;: 660}\" data-original-ratio=\"0.689900426742532\" data-original-height=\"1940\" data-original-width=\"2812\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\" data-editable=\"settings\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image_large__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image_large--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image_large--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image_large--show-credits&quot;: 525}\">       <picture class=\"image_large__picture\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"679\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\/w_679\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"967\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\/w_967\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\/w_860\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\/w_860\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"860\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/180221182602-flumist-file.jpg?q=w_2812,h_1940,x_0,y_0,c_fill\/w_860\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"image_large__metadata-container media__metadata-container\">\n<div class=\"image_large__metadata media__metadata\">\n<div itemprop=\"caption\" class=\"image_large__caption attribution\">    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">ACIP said the FluMist nasal spray vaccine shouldn&#8217;t be used for two flu seasons after data showed little to no effectiveness in 2015-16; it was recommended again starting in 2018-19.<\/span>  <\/div><figcaption class=\"image_large__credit\">Chris Gardner\/AP<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000v3b6mfqrvgt73@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In 2023, the first fall and winter season that the RSV vaccine was available for older adults, ACIP recommended it for adults 60 and older with shared decision-making, meaning it was available only after consultation with a health care provider on its risks and benefits. In 2024, ACIP removed the shared clinical decision-making requirement, making it easier to access. The panel recommended that adults 75 and older get one dose of any available RSV vaccine, while adults 60 to 74 needed one only if they were at higher risk of severe RSV infections.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader-elevate vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cmcb5yfiv001j3b6mo0r9wcw9@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"who-are-the-acip-members\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Who are the ACIP members?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000x3b6mslesapc2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            After Kennedy dismissed all 17 ACIP members who were appointed during the Biden administration, he replaced them with eight of his own picks.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000y3b6m75pnh005@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            There can be up to 19 voting members, according to ACIP\u2019s charter.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb000z3b6msh7h86u6@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Most of the new members have little expertise in infectious diseases or vaccines, and some have served as expert witnesses in vaccine injury cases. One has been associated with a group that exaggerates the rare risks and harms of vaccines while casting doubt on their benefits. Another has done studies purporting to show the harms of the Covid-19 vaccines, reporting conclusions that run counter to most other evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these shots. Independent fact checks of these studies suggest that their conclusions may be based on flawed methods.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cmcb65jg200053b6mcwwx686m@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content-elevate related-content--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<header class=\"related-content__title related-content__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/header>\n<section class=\"related-content__body\">\n<div class=\"related-content__image image__related-content\">\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cmbzk5667001b27p0gb3qe7hj@published\" class=\"image-elevate image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"c-GettyImages-2214453853.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--eq-large&quot;: 660}\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"2400\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--show-credits&quot;: 525}\">       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=1x1&amp;q=h_479,w_479,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_270,w_480,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_540,w_960,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/c-gettyimages-2214453853.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"image__metadata-container media__metadata-container\">\n<div class=\"image__metadata media__metadata\">\n<div itemprop=\"caption\" class=\"image__caption attribution\">    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on May 14 in Washington, DC.<\/span>  <\/div><figcaption class=\"image__credit\">Kent Nishimura\/Bloomberg\/Getty Images\/File<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content__headline\">        <span class=\"related-content__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">Former CDC advisers say they are \u2018deeply concerned\u2019 RFK Jr.\u2019s actions will critically weaken US vaccine program<\/span>      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00103b6mttyzshvv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Aside from voting members, there are two more tiers of membership.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00113b6mhqdag638@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            There are six \u201cex-officio\u201d members from government health agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the FDA. The meeting typically hears from these members about policy questions they can help answer. Ex-officio members don\u2019t typically vote, but they can do so if there aren\u2019t enough voting members to have a quorum \u2013 which is defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act as a majority, or one more than half.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00123b6mjrzeo7xb@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The last tier of membership includes the liaison members: non-voting members from the 30 nonprofits and professional groups that are spelled out in the committee\u2019s charter. Liaison members may be added by the HHS secretary. These members often speak up during discussions and after voting has taken place.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00133b6mtt4i5ora@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            As of Monday night, many of the liaison members had not been sent a video link to participate in the meeting, Schaffner said, when normally they would have gotten that already.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader-elevate vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cmcb5yp75001m3b6ml9zo4l1f@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"how-long-can-members-serve\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        How long can members serve?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00153b6m01ooveib@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Voting members can serve up to four-year terms. They are considered special government employees and subject to federal conflict of interest safeguards. They aren\u2019t paid for their service but are compensated for their travel to and from meetings and for their meals.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/related-content\/instances\/cmcb64z2200033b6mn6mk48a5@published\" data-component-name=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content-elevate related-content--article\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<header class=\"related-content__title related-content__title-text\" data-editable=\"content.title\">Related article<\/header>\n<section class=\"related-content__body\">\n<div class=\"related-content__image image__related-content\">\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cmbvazkm7000i26nm3lmj5a3s@published\" class=\"image-elevate image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"cdc headquarters file\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--eq-large&quot;: 660}\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6664\" data-original-height=\"1666\" data-original-width=\"2500\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{&quot;image--eq-extra-small&quot;: 115, &quot;image--eq-small&quot;: 300, &quot;image--show-credits&quot;: 525}\">       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=1x1&amp;q=h_479,w_479,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_270,w_480,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_540,w_960,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"undefined\" width=\"256\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230117134834-cdc-headquarters-file.jpg?c=16x9&amp;q=h_720,w_1280,c_fill\/w_256,f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/picture>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"image__metadata-container media__metadata-container\">\n<div class=\"image__metadata media__metadata\">\n<div itemprop=\"caption\" class=\"image__caption attribution\">    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises the CDC on its vaccine decisions.<\/span>  <\/div><figcaption class=\"image__credit\">Tami Chappell\/Reuters\/FILE<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"related-content__headline\">        <span class=\"related-content__headline-text\" data-editable=\"content.headline\">RFK Jr.\u2019s new vaccine advisers include ER doctor who posted Islamophobic commentary online, expert witnesses against vaccines<\/span>      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00163b6mzqaetc5g@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In addition to regular meetings, members of ACIP convene outside of public meetings in \u201cwork groups\u201d that focus on a specific vaccine or disease of interest.  These groups must include at least two voting members but may also consist of liaison and ex-officio members as well as outside experts. They often spend months making deep dives into medical research and present their findings to the voting members of the committee at each meeting.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00173b6mrwmwwua3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The working groups often look at vaccines that are nearing FDA approval, to be sure they are ready to issue advice shortly after that agency makes the determination that a vaccine is safe and effective.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader-elevate vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cmcb5z0dm001q3b6miq1lti62@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"how-are-recommendations-used\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        How are recommendations used?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph-elevate inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmcb5wwxb00193b6m5l6hsqp7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            ACIP\u2019s recommendations are used in several ways:    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/list\/instances\/cmcb5wxdl001a3b6me5rs1fsp@published\" class=\"list-elevate vossi-list\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n<ul data-editable=\"items\" class=\"list__items list__items--ul\">\n<li data-editable=\"items.0.text\" class=\"list__item vossi-list__item inline-placeholder\">        <span class=\"list__text\">            <strong>To guide patient care: <\/strong>ACIP sets what\u2019s known as the vaccine schedule, a table that charts out which inoculations should be given by what ages. Many states use these vaccines schedules to set their own policies for school enrollment, for example.        <\/span>      <\/li>\n<li data-editable=\"items.1.text\" class=\"list__item vossi-list__item inline-placeholder\">        <span class=\"list__text\">            <strong>To determine insurance coverage: <\/strong>Under the Affordable Care Act, when ACIP recommends a vaccine, it has to be covered by most insurance plans with no co-pays to patients.        <\/span>      <\/li>\n<li data-editable=\"items.2.text\" class=\"list__item vossi-list__item inline-placeholder\">        <span class=\"list__text\">            <strong>To determine which vaccines are purchased for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program: <\/strong>The CDC\u2019s Vaccines for Children program bulk purchases vaccines that are then distributed to states, which, in turn, distribute them to doctor\u2019s offices. It provides vaccines at no cost to children whose families wouldn\u2019t otherwise be able to afford the shots. Roughly half of children in the US get their vaccines through the VFC.        <\/span>      <\/li>\n<li data-editable=\"items.3.text\" class=\"list__item vossi-list__item inline-placeholder\">        <span class=\"list__text\">            <strong>To determine coverage by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: <\/strong>When ACIP recommends a vaccine for pregnant women and children, it is automatically added to the list of vaccines covered by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. As with many medical treatments, the benefits of vaccines come with rare risks. These risks, or adverse events, are maintained on a list by the program, which compensates people who\u2019ve experienced them and can prove they are linked to a covered vaccine. Because the program shields vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits, it has come under fire from Kennedy, who has said that people should be able to file suit in court for their injuries.        <\/span>      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>This post appeared first on cnn.com<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vaccines Federal agencies Children&#8217;s health See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Link Copied! 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