Still, Kennedy’s ACIP members planned to push back the first doses by a month. A vote was prepared for the recommendation No Dosing at birth unless there is an “individually based decision-making process”. While at first the panel seemed set to vote in favor of the change, the plan collapsed due to fundamental questions.
Voting ACIP member Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist, said: “It’s not clear to me whether we’ve been presented any protections or data comparing one month before and one month after,” he said. they did not have.
“And,” Hibbeln continued, “I’m wondering why one month was chosen as our time point and whether there is data to help inform us whether there is a greater risk of adverse effects before or after one month.”
There is no data to suggest that such a move would be more or less safe.
The discussion moved quickly with an eventual 11-1 vote to table voting on the vaccine recommendation. According to a Federal Register notice, ACIP will attempt to raise the topic again. They could revive the vote or attack some other aspect of the vaccine recommendations.
Pediatrician responds
Health experts have criticized Kennedy’s lineup and his attacks on childhood vaccines, including the hepatitis B vaccination program. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes ARS, saying, “The current schedule is the best defense against serious health problems such as liver disease and cancer.”
With ACIP’s reputation tarnished under Kennedy, the AAP has introduced its own evidence-based vaccine schedule for pediatricians to trust. He has also been a major opponent of Kennedy’s efforts among medical organizations. For example, in an amended federal lawsuit, the AAP along with other medical organizations are seeking to overturn all decisions made by Kennedy’s ACIP and replace the entire panel with actual experts.
Kennedy’s appointees “lack the qualifications and experience necessary for their role,” the organization said, and all of their votes should be declared “null and void.”
AAP President Susan Kressley said pediatricians are already seeing the effects of having an anti-vaccine activist as the U.S. Secretary of Health, namely “fear, decreased vaccine confidence, and barriers to access to vaccines for families.”
“The nation’s children are already paying the price in avoidable illnesses and hospitalizations,” Cressley said. “We urge federal leaders to restore the science-based deliberative process that has made the United States a global leader in public health. Urgent action is needed.”