ACIP Votes Down Annual COVID Vaccines for All US Residents Over Six Months Old

US Vaccine Advisory Panel Reverses Course on COVID Vaccines for All In a surprise move, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted against recommending that all US residents over six months old receive a COVID-19 vaccine every year. The decision, made on Friday, marks a departure from previous recommendations since the pandemic began in 2020. The ACIP's recommendation is not binding and must still be approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the vote comes as concerns grow about the agency's shift away from scientifically supported policies. "This is a concerning development," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on vaccine policy. "We need to ensure that public health decisions are based on evidence, not ideology." Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available in the US, the ACIP had consistently recommended annual vaccination for all residents over six months old. However, with the latest vote, the panel has broken from this stance. The decision is seen as a victory for critics of the Biden administration's vaccine policies, who have accused Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of pushing misinformation. "This is a major setback for the administration's efforts to promote vaccination," said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). "We will continue to push for transparency and accountability in public health decision-making." The ACIP's vote is not without controversy, with some experts questioning the panel's independence from the HHS. "There are concerns about the influence of special interest groups on the ACIP's recommendations," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While the CDC has yet to weigh in on the ACIP's recommendation, public health officials are bracing for potential implications. "We need to be prepared for any scenario," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director. "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance as needed." The decision is likely to have far-reaching consequences, with some experts warning of a potential resurgence in COVID-19 cases. "This vote sends a signal that we are not taking the pandemic seriously," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading vaccine expert. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the debate over vaccination policies will continue to be a contentious issue in US public health policy. Background and Context The ACIP's recommendation was made after a thorough review of scientific evidence on COVID-19 vaccines. The panel considered data from numerous studies, including those on vaccine efficacy, safety, and effectiveness against severe illness. However, the decision has been met with criticism from some experts who argue that the vote is based on politics rather than science. "This is a classic example of policy being driven by ideology rather than evidence," said Dr. Eric Rubin, a member of the ACIP. Current Status and Next Developments The CDC will now review the ACIP's recommendation before making a final decision. If approved, the new policy would mark a significant shift in US vaccination strategy. However, if rejected, it could lead to further controversy and debate over public health policies. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the debate over vaccination policies will continue to be a contentious issue in US public health policy. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*