RFK Jr. Panelists Initiate Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Controversy

On September 19, 2025, a U.S. medical advisory committee made its first move to alter the conventional childhood vaccination schedule. The committee, notably restructured to reflect the views of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voted to advise against administering the combined MMRV vaccine to children under four years old. Instead, parents are now encouraged to opt for separate MMR and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines for their young children. This change comes despite the existing understanding that the combined shot carries only a minimal risk of temporary febrile seizures.

The decision has sparked concerns among public health officials and experts, many of whom believe the move to be a step backwards in vaccination safety and efficacy. Sean O'Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, expressed confusion over the renewed debate, noting that a similar discussion had been settled years ago. He highlighted that parents already have the choice between combined and separate vaccines, and questioned the rationale behind revisiting the issue, suggesting it may be an attempt to induce vaccine hesitancy.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for promoting vaccine misinformation and time and again linking vaccines like MMR to autism—a claim thoroughly debunked—has significantly influenced the composition and decisions of the revamped advisory committee. Following his appointment, Kennedy replaced previous members with individuals whose anti-vaccine stances align more closely with his own, raising concerns over the integrity of the advisory process.

During the meeting, medical professionals in attendance who lack voting rights but can contribute input criticized the committee’s methods, arguing that the approach to vaccine evaluation is narrow and fails to reflect real-world complexities. The committee also voted to keep the combination vaccine covered under the Vaccines for Children program despite the recommendation against its use in children under four, leading to a patchwork of coverage that could confuse parents.

Epidemiologists, such as Syra Madad, caution that these changes may undermine the proven safety nets that protect children's health. They emphasize that early vaccination, especially for diseases like hepatitis B, is crucial in preventing severe health consequences. Critics argue that these decisions, influenced by misinformation, threaten to weaken public health efforts, particularly amid rising vaccine skepticism.

As the committee prepares to review other vaccination policies, including the COVID-19 shot, experts warn that the current trajectory could lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and reduced herd immunity, risking outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-rfk-jr-panelists-childhood-vaccine.html