CDC Panel Votes Unanimously to Preserve Broad COVID Vaccine Access Amid Chaotic Meeting

CDC Vaccine Meeting Ends with Unexpected Vote to Maintain COVID Shot Access A two-day federal vaccine advisory meeting descended into chaos on Wednesday, but ultimately ended with a unanimous vote to maintain broad access to COVID-19 vaccines. The 120-vote decision, which may have been unintentional, adopted a recommendation for adults 65 and older and people aged 6 months to 64 years to get a COVID-19 vaccine based on shared clinical decision-making. According to sources, the meeting was marked by "chaos, confusion, inept debate, bizarre comments," and a hot mic incident in which someone was overheard saying "you're an idiot." The advisory committee, selected by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had been expected to recommend limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines. The vote maintains requirements that federal and private health insurance plans cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. Earlier this year, the FDA limited the approvals of this year's shots, which have previously been available to anyone 6 months of age or older. The FDA's new restriction limits them to adults aged 65 and up and for people between the ages of 6 months and 64 years who have an underlying medical condition that puts them at risk. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, expressed relief over the outcome. "We're pleased that the advisory committee has maintained broad access to COVID-19 vaccines," he said in a statement. "This decision will ensure that those who need protection from COVID-19 can continue to receive it." The meeting was attended by representatives of various health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Leana Wen, a pediatrician and public health expert, praised the committee's decision. "This is a victory for public health," she said. "Maintaining access to COVID-19 vaccines will save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering." However, not all attendees were pleased with the outcome. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who selected the advisory committee members, expressed disappointment over the vote. "We had hoped that the committee would recommend more targeted use of COVID-19 vaccines," he said in a statement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to adopt the recommendation at its next meeting. If approved, it will maintain requirements that federal and private health insurance plans cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The FDA's new restriction on this year's shots will remain in place until further notice. Background: The two-day vaccine advisory meeting was held to discuss updates to the CDC's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was attended by representatives of various health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Additional Perspectives: Some experts have expressed concerns over the FDA's new restriction on this year's shots. Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert, has argued that limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. "We're concerned that the FDA's new restriction will limit access to COVID-19 vaccines for those who need them most," he said in a statement. "This decision may have unintended consequences and put lives at risk." Current Status: The CDC is expected to adopt the recommendation at its next meeting, which will maintain requirements that federal and private health insurance plans cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. The FDA's new restriction on this year's shots will remain in place until further notice. Next Developments: The CDC will hold a follow-up meeting to discuss the implementation of the new recommendation. In the meantime, health organizations are urging individuals to continue getting vaccinated against COVID-19. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*