Welcoming CDC director Jim O'Neal is calling on vaccine makers to split up the combined MMR vaccine. In a post on X yesterday, O'Neal endorsed President Trump's earlier call to split the measles, MS, and Reubella vaccine into three separate injections. The post came just hours after O'Neal signed off on a vaccine advisory panel recommendation against getting the vaccine before the age of four.Let's bring in NBC News medical contributor Dr. . Vin Gupta. Uh so doctor, what would be the problem with this sugge ...

A recent poll by The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) revealed that 1 in 6 American parents have delayed or skipped at least one childhood vaccine, not counting the flu and COVID-19 shots (1). And 9% of the surveyed parents also admitted to skipping core vaccinations, like polio or measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Experts, as with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), say that childhood vaccines are built to save lives and protect kids — so why are these parents choos ...

Vaccine Industry Insights - A new RFK Junior-backed vaccine panel is advocating for restrictions on the MMR vaccine for children under four, with a vote on hepatitis B vaccine recommendations postponed due to insufficient data [1] - Concerns have been raised regarding the profitability of vaccine companies like Merck, Moderna, and Pfizer, with a general sentiment that the value of vaccines has diminished [3][4] - Moderna is facing significant challenges, including a potential revenue decline and a lawsuit that could cost the company between $2 billion to $3 billion, which it may struggle to afford [8][9] Regulatory Environment - The FDA is perceived to be actively working on drug approvals, although there are concerns about the lack of expected approvals impacting investor sentiment [6][7] - There is a growing apprehension regarding potential price controls on pharmaceuticals as the administration approaches midterm elections, which could negatively affect the industry [10][11] Advertising and Market Dynamics - The advertising landscape for pharmaceuticals is under scrutiny, with concerns about how direct-to-consumer advertising impacts the industry, although investors currently do not view it as a major concern [12][13] - Despite the challenges, the biotech sector is viewed positively, with indications that drug development is increasing and the overall climate is improving [14][15]

Vaccine Policy & Regulation - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has new members, some with anti-vaccine views or skepticism towards the COVID-19 vaccine, potentially influencing future decisions [1][2][3] - Discussions are focusing on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) combined vaccine, specifically the risk of febrile seizures, which anti-vaxxers want to remove from the market [4][5] - There's a movement to remove thimerosal (a preservative) from the remaining 4% of vaccines (mostly adult flu vaccines) and alum (an aluminum salt adjuvant) from seven pediatric vaccines [7][8][9] - Removing alum could force manufacturers to reformulate vaccines, potentially leading to vaccine shortages due to lack of safe alternatives [9][10][11] - ACIP's involvement in issues traditionally handled by regulators raises concerns about settled science, particularly regarding thimerosal and alum [18][19] Vaccine Safety & Public Health - The combined MMR and varicella vaccine carries a small risk of febrile seizures, which can be mitigated by monitoring and treating fevers above 1005°F (3806°C) between days 5 and 14 post-vaccination; about 10% of children experience this reaction [4][5] - Declining MMR vaccination rates in over 50% of states, with some below 70%, are setting up risks for future measles outbreaks [26] - There are concerns that anti-vaccine sentiment, fueled by COVID-19 mandates, will have long-term consequences, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases [24][25][26] Litigation & Industry Impact - Secretary Kennedy's actions are potentially setting up a litigation enterprise, aiming to link vaccines to autism and open the door to lawsuits under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program [28][29][30][31] - This could drive vaccine manufacturers out of the market, as companies may choose to stop manufacturing vaccines due to potential lawsuits [31][32]