Kennedy's Vaccine Committee Prepares to Vote on COVID-19, Hepatitis B, and Chickenpox Vaccines

This week, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s newly formed vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to hold critical discussions and voting sessions on potentially updating vaccination recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox. The specific questions and proposals to be evaluated remain unclear, as Department of Health and Human Services officials have not provided detailed agenda items, although a recent agenda was posted online. The department has also announced five new appointees to the committee, expanding its roster.

Public health experts are expressing concerns that the upcoming votes might raise unnecessary doubts about vaccine safety and efficacy among parents. Of particular concern is the possibility of decisions that could restrict government funding for vaccines, especially affecting low-income families who rely on federally supported vaccination programs.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which offers vaccination guidelines to the CDC director, is influential in shaping national immunization policies. Historically, CDC approval of ACIP recommendations has led to widespread adoption by healthcare providers. However, this year's process has been notably altered. Kennedy has replaced the previous 17-member panel with a new group that includes members with anti-vaccine viewpoints.

The upcoming discussions will focus on three vaccines:

• COVID-19: Following Kennedy's appointment as health secretary, the ACIP previously chose not to issue new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the current season, and Kennedy announced plans to remove COVID-19 shots from CDC guidelines for healthy children and pregnant women—moves that received significant criticism. The FDA recently licensed new COVID-19 formulations but limited their recommended use, potentially reducing access for many children. The committee has yet to decide whether these updated vaccines will be recommended or covered under public programs.

• Hepatitis B: Preventing severe liver infections, hepatitis B vaccination has been standard since 1981, with current guidelines recommending vaccination within 24 hours of birth for most infants. However, Kennedy's committee has indicated a desire to revisit these recommendations, citing gaps in maternal screening and ongoing transmission concerns.

• Chickenpox: Once a common childhood illness, chickenpox vaccination was introduced in 1995, leading to significant declines in cases. The CDC previously approved the combined MMRV vaccine, but concerns over adverse effects have led many providers to prefer separate shots. The committee may review these practices, with arguments suggesting that current recommendations could influence public trust.

Additionally, HHS announced five new committee members, including professionals from various medical and research backgrounds, some with controversial or anti-vaccine perspectives.

Overall, the upcoming votes could have far-reaching impacts on vaccination policies, especially regarding access and public confidence. The process has raised alarms among healthcare providers and public health advocates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust in vaccination programs.

For more details, see the source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-kennedy-vaccine-committee-vote-covid.html