Summary
A U.S. vaccine advisory committee has stopped recommending the Covid-19 vaccine for adults, including those at high risk. The decision allows individuals to choose whether to get vaccinated after consulting a medical professional. The change is part of broader shifts in U.S. vaccine recommendations, including Covid-19, the MMRV vaccine for young children, and the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted against recommending the Covid-19 vaccine for all adults.
- High-risk groups, like those over age 65, can decide on vaccination after consulting a doctor.
- The federal government previously stopped recommending the vaccine for healthy pregnant women and children.
- The ACIP also made changes to recommendations for the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children.
- There was confusion around the committee’s decisions on the MMRV vaccine, leading to concern from the American Medical Association.
- The committee delayed voting on automatic hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns with mothers who tested negative.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all committee members in June, raising concern in the medical community.
- Some former members of the CDC and medical experts have criticized Kennedy’s vaccine policies and changes.
