Tone-Deaf Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Plunges Ahead on Destructive Anti-Vaccine Path
WASHINGTON, D.C – The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the CDC today voted 8 to 3 with one abstention to remove the long-standing recommendation for use of the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine before age four years. At present, the childhood vaccination schedule calls for immunization after 12 months with either the MMRV vaccine or separate measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. Dr. Robert Steinbrook, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, issued the following statement:
“True to form, the ACIP is plunging ahead with unneeded and harmful changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. The destructive changes are likely to confuse clinicians and parents, decrease overall immunization rates, and contribute to the re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases, with grave risks to the public.
“Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s hand-picked CDC advisory panel is blowing up public health successes, not solving problems. Many members are voting based on preconceived notions, not fully vetted comprehensive evidence about the benefits and harms of the vaccine, and the damaging population effects of changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.”