CDC ACIP Limits MMRV Vaccine for Under-4 Children Due to Seizure Risk
CDC ACIP Limits MMRV Vaccine for Under-4 Children Due to Seizure Risk

CDC ACIP Limits MMRV Vaccine for Under-4 Children Due to Seizure Risk

News summary

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the CDC voted 8-3 to recommend against the use of the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine for children under 4 years old due to a small increased risk of febrile seizures, which are brief and generally harmless but distressing. This reverses 15 years of policy and encourages the use of separate MMR and varicella vaccines for younger children, a practice already favored by about 85% of parents. Despite the recommendation, the Vaccines for Children program may continue to cover the combined vaccine for this age group, creating confusion about implementation. The ACIP's decision comes amid significant changes to the committee's membership, appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., many of whom are perceived as vaccine skeptics, raising concerns about the panel's direction and timing. The recommendation does not affect older children's vaccination schedules, as no increased seizure risk has been found for children 4 and older receiving MMRV. The final decision rests with Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill, and the broader implications for vaccine policy and public trust are under careful scrutiny.

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Left 33%
Center 22%
Right 44%
Coverage Details
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11
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3
Center
2
Right
4
Unrated
2
Last Updated
42 min ago
Bias Distribution
44% Right
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