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]