ACIP Votes to Remove MMRV Vaccine Recommendation Amid Public Health Expert Criticism

RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vaccine Advisors Axe MMRV Recommendation In a move widely criticized by public health experts, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted Thursday to remove the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's previous recommendation for use of the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) MMRV combination vaccine in children under 4 years old. The decision was made by a panel of seven new members hand-selected by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who replaced the original 17 members of ACIP in June. The new members have been criticized for their lack of subject matter expertise and their expressed skepticism about pandemic responses and COVID-19 vaccines. "This is a devastating blow to public health efforts," said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital. "Removing this vaccine from the schedule will put children at risk of preventable diseases." ACIP member Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, who was one of the original 17 members fired by Kennedy, expressed her disappointment with the decision. "We worked tirelessly to develop evidence-based recommendations that would protect children and communities," she said. "It's disheartening to see our work undone by a group with clear conflicts of interest." The MMRV vaccine has been widely used in the United States since 2005 and has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. In June, Kennedy fired all 17 members of ACIP, citing concerns about their "conflicts of interest" and "lack of transparency." He replaced them with seven new members who have expressed anti-vaccine views and have been paid witnesses in trials against vaccine makers. "This is a clear example of how special interests can influence public health policy," said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We need to ensure that our public health decisions are based on science, not ideology." The decision by ACIP will now be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for review and approval. If approved, it could lead to a change in vaccine policy for children under 4 years old. Background: ACIP is responsible for developing recommendations for the use of vaccines in the United States. The CDC relies on these recommendations when making decisions about vaccine policy. The MMRV vaccine has been widely used in the United States since 2005 and has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. Additional Perspectives: Some experts have expressed concerns that the new members of ACIP may not have the necessary expertise to make informed decisions about vaccine policy. "We need to ensure that our public health decisions are based on science, not ideology," said Dr. Paul Offit. Others have criticized Kennedy for his role in influencing public health policy. "This is a clear example of how special interests can influence public health policy," said Dr. Peter Hotez. Current Status and Next Developments: The decision by ACIP will now be sent to the CDC for review and approval. If approved, it could lead to a change in vaccine policy for children under 4 years old. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*