CDC Panel Recommends Major Changes to Childhood Vaccination Schedule

Lead CDC vaccine advisers voted Thursday to drop the combined MMRV shot for children under 4 and deferred a decision on universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination, potentially reshaping U.S. immunization policy.

Nut Graf The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), reshaped this summer by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., endorsed separate measles-mumps-rubella and varicella shots for toddlers and will vote Friday on whether to limit hepatitis B doses to infants born to infected mothers, raising concerns about access and public trust.

Key Developments

MMRV Vote
ACIP voted 8 to 3 (with one abstention) against recommending the combined MMRV vaccine for children aged 12-15 months, instead advising two concurrent injections (MMR plus varicella).
Experts warn separate shots may reduce compliance and complicate supply chains.
Hepatitis B Delay
The committee postponed a vote on delaying the birth-dose hepatitis B vaccine until infants reach at least one month old, contingent on maternal screening, deferring final guidance to Friday.
Proposed changes could affect coverage under the federally funded Vaccines for Children program.
Political and Public Health Implications
Critics argue that the hand-picked committee’s skepticism threatens longstanding, evidence-based recommendations and risks increasing vaccine‐preventable infections.
Committee decisions drive insurance coverage and school-entry requirements, meaning any restrictions could hinder timely immunization.

Next Steps Friday’s session will focus on the hepatitis B schedule and review COVID-19 booster guidance, with ACIP votes then subject to approval by the acting CDC director or HHS secretary. Public health groups urge preserving current recommendations to maintain high vaccination rates and prevent disease resurgence.