As kids across the country head back to school, we are seeing a record number of parents exempting those kids from vaccines. Even with the highest number of measles cases in decades and a new co variant on the rise, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. has rolled back has rolled back co vaccine. But medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics are standing firm on their recommendations for childhood vaccines. Joining us now, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr.. Susan Cr ...

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]