US Vaccine Advisory Panel's Decision Sparks Confusion Amid COVID-19 Policy Revisions

US Vaccine Advisory Panel's Decision Leaves Many Questions Unanswered The US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met Friday to discuss COVID-19 vaccination policies, resulting in a decision that has left many experts and stakeholders confused. The panel, comprised of 12 members appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., narrowly voted against requiring prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccinations. According to sources, the ACIP's findings will determine which vaccinations are covered by government programs and private health insurance companies, affecting millions of US residents. However, the decision has sparked controversy among vaccine experts, with some expressing concern that it may limit access to the vaccines. "We're disappointed in the outcome," said Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading vaccine expert who spoke to Nature. "Requiring prescriptions would have helped ensure that people are making informed decisions about their health." The ACIP's decision has also raised questions about the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time anti-vaccine activist who appointed five new members to the panel just days ago. Many of these nominees have made statements against COVID-19 vaccination or vaccine mandates, leading some to wonder if they will influence future decisions. The ACIP's previous 17 members were fired by Kennedy in an effort to "reform" the committee. However, critics argue that this move was a thinly veiled attempt to stack the panel with like-minded individuals who share his views on vaccines. "This is a clear example of politics interfering with public health policy," said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The ACIP should be focused on making evidence-based recommendations, not promoting personal agendas." Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, some experts argue that it may have unintended benefits. "Requiring prescriptions could have created barriers to access for marginalized communities," said Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco. The ACIP's decision will now be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for review. The CDC will ultimately determine which vaccinations are covered by government programs and private health insurance companies. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the future of COVID-19 vaccination policies in the US remains uncertain. *Reporting by Nature.*