Kennedys advisory panel is expected to vote on hepatitis B and MMRV vaccines

Published: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:43 am

Kennedy's Vaccine Advisory Panel to Vote on Hepatitis B and MMRV Vaccines

ATLANTA – A new vaccine advisory committee, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to convene for a two-day session focusing on vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, and a combined shot for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (MMRV). The committee is expected to vote on these vaccines on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting agenda suggests a potential reconsideration of the long-standing recommendation that all U.S. children receive an initial dose of the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth. This practice is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and many public health officials, who cite significant reductions in childhood liver disease since its implementation.

The committee's chair, Martin Kulldorff, has also raised concerns about the MMRV combination shot, specifically regarding its use in children under four years old. This discussion stems from rare instances of feverish seizures associated with the first dose, typically administered to children between one and two years old. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) last addressed this issue in 2009, when it deemed both the combination shot and separate MMR and varicella shots acceptable for the first dose.

Some medical professionals express concern that revisiting these recommendations could raise unnecessary questions about vaccine safety among parents and potentially limit access to crucial vaccinations. The ACIP advises the CDC director on the use of approved vaccines, and the CDC director typically follows these recommendations, which are widely adopted by doctors and guide vaccination programs.

Kennedy, a prominent figure known for his anti-vaccine stance before assuming his current role, replaced the original 17-member panel with a new group that includes individuals with skeptical views on vaccines. This move has drawn criticism from doctors' groups and public health organizations. The committee is also scheduled to make recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines on Friday.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation highlights the delicate balance between public health recommendations and individual concerns. While it's crucial to address any legitimate safety concerns, it's equally important to ensure that evidence-based practices, like widespread vaccination, are not undermined. A moderate approach would prioritize transparency, data-driven decision-making, and open communication to maintain public trust and protect public health.

Keywords: vaccine advisory committee, hepatitis B, MMRV, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ACIP, CDC, vaccination recommendations, public health, American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccine safety, COVID-19 vaccines

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