RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Could Make New Recommendations

Vaccine Schedule & Review - The CDC's advisory group is reviewing the vaccine schedule for young children, raising concerns due to the involvement of individuals with a history of promoting debunked theories about vaccine safety [2][3] - The vaccine approval process involves rigorous review by the FDA for safety and efficacy, followed by further evaluation by the CDC's panel of advisors, considering real-world evidence and potential side effects [5] - The US vaccine schedule is largely similar to those of major European nations, with variations in Hepatitis A and B vaccines based on prevalence, and differences in the number of individual shots administered [6] - Differences in vaccine schedules and the use of combination vaccines across countries reflect varying expert opinions on safety, risk, and cost [7][8] Public Health & Policy - Concerns exist that changes to the vaccine schedule could undermine public health efforts, particularly given past controversies surrounding vaccine safety [3] - Kennedy's appointment to a committee on the CDC raised concerns, especially after he allegedly broke promises regarding the committee's composition [9][10] - Kennedy dismissed all 17 standing members of a committee and replaced them with eight individuals, including some with non-traditional backgrounds and those who have echoed debunked claims about vaccines [11] - The complete removal of all committee members is unprecedented, raising questions about the direction of public health policy [13] Funding & Global Impact - The US will no longer fund a program it helped found to vaccinate children globally, raising serious concerns about the potential consequences [13]