CDC Vaccine Panel Updates: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine recommendations committee wrapped up two days of meetings on friday, voting on recommendations for COVID-19, measles, and more.
The recommendations panel, known as the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has seen changes recently, with all new members picked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
ACIP’s recommendations aren’t final until the CDC director approves them, but directors almost always follow the panel’s advice.
MMRV Vaccine recommendations
The panel voted Thursday to recommend separate MMR and varicella shots, instead of the combined MMRV vaccine, for children under 4.
The combined MMRV vaccine is convenient, but it has a slightly higher risk of fever-related seizures when given as the first dose to young toddlers (12-23 months). These seizures are most common between 14-18 months. They’re rare and usually don’t cause lasting problems, but they can be scary for families and make them hesitant about vaccines.
Studies show ther’s no increased risk when MMRV is given as the second dose, at ages 4-6, after kids have passed the highest-risk period.
Changes to COVID Vaccine Recommendations
Current CDC guidance says everyone should get an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination status. The ACIP is now discussing whether to change that.They’re considering recommendations that would align more closely with how we handle the annual flu vaccine – suggesting who should get vaccinated, rather than saying everyone needs to.
Specifically, the panel discussed focusing COVID-19 vaccinations on those at higher risk of severe illness: older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. They also talked about the possibility of recommending vaccines for those who have close contact with vulnerable individuals.
The shift reflects a changing understanding of the virus and a move towards managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease. It’s a big change from the initial push for universal vaccination.
The panel also discussed the timing of future COVID-19 vaccine updates, leaning towards an annual schedule similar to the flu vaccine. This would allow manufacturers to adjust the vaccine composition based on the latest circulating strains.
Publication Date: 2025/09/20 18:15:06