Kennedy's vaccine committee to vote on flu vaccines, controversial preservative
Share this @internewscast.com

ATLANTA (AP) — On Thursday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy reconvened the vaccine advisory committee, which might soon decide on matters concerning autumn flu vaccines and a preservative found in some flu shots that anti-vaccine advocates have wrongly linked to autism.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting in Atlanta and is anticipated to vote on whether to advocate for a new version of a synthetic antibody that shields newborns from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a common threat to children.

Established over 60 years ago, the ACIP guides the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on who ought to be vaccinated against numerous diseases, and the appropriate timing for these vaccinations. Their guidance significantly influences insurance coverage for vaccinations and the accessibility of vaccines across various locations.

Kennedy was a leading voice in the antivaccine movement before becoming the nation’s top health official. He fired the previous 17-member panel this month and replaced it with a seven-member group that includes several vaccine skeptics.

At its June meetings, the committee usually refreshes guidance for Americans 6 months and older to get a flu shot, and helps propel the annual fall vaccination campaign.

Presentations prepared for Thursday’s meeting suggest that the panel may do much the same this year. But there’s also a flu-related vote that promises controversy.

It concerns thimerosal, a form of mercury that’s been added to vaccines since the early 20th century to preventing bacterial contamination in multi-dose vials.

Kennedy has long held there was a tie between thimerosal and autism, and also accused the government of hiding the danger. Study after study has found no evidence that thimerosal causes autism. But since 2001, vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market and routinely recommended for children 6 years or younger have contained no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with limited exceptions.

Thimerosal was placed on the meeting agenda shortly after Kennedy’s new vaccine advisory was named last week.

Before the vote, the committee will hear from Lyn Redwood, the former president of what is now known as Children’s Health Defense — an antivaccine group founded by Kennedy.

Some public health experts contend the thimerosal discussion will unnecessarily raise doubt in vaccines while possibly also making them more expensive and harder to get this fall.

At the panel’s meeting Wednesday, Chrissie Juliano, executive director of the Big Cities Health Coalition, lamented the ouster of the former ACIP panel and the agenda of the new one.

Her organization, which represents large city health departments, “is deeply concerned that many routine vaccines may soon become inaccessible or unaffordable for millions of Americans if ACIP makes changes based on ideology rather than science,” she said. “The stakes are simply too high to let that happen.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Social Security Administration Sends Confusing Email Praising Trump’s Recent Tax Cut Legislation

WASHINGTON — The Social Security Administration has distributed a misleading email to…

Texas Flooding Results in 24 Deaths; Several Young Campers Reported Missing

(NewsNation) — The Kerr County sheriff in Texas reported on Friday night…

How Los Angeles’ Iranian Community Faces Challenges Amid a Fragile Israel-Iran Ceasefire

LOS ANGELES – “Tehrangeles” in West Los Angeles is home to the…

Flash Floods in Texas Highlight Their Status as Leading Cause of Storm-Related Deaths in the U.S.

(AP) – The devastating and rapidly moving flood that surged through the…

Eight Men Deported to South Sudan by US After Lengthy Legal Disputes

WASHINGTON (AP) — In May, eight men were deported from the United…

Paxton’s 41st Annual Traditional Fourth of July Celebration

More than 700 attendees gathered at Pells Park in Paxton to celebrate…

Trump Approves Comprehensive Domestic Policy Legislation in White House Event

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Champaign Library Holds Discussion on Reducing Youth Violence

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In Champaign, the community came together Thursday night…

Tragic Downtown Indianapolis Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 5 Injured

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents are seeking answers following a downtown mass shooting early…

Flash Floods: The Leading Cause of Storm-Related Deaths in the U.S., as Seen in Texas

The devastating, rapidly advancing flood that struck the Hill Country of west-central…

Trump Officially Approves Tax Reduction and Spending Cut Bill During July 4th White House Celebration

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a celebratory setting featuring Fourth of July picnickers,…

Hampton resident facing charges for sharing child pornography accepts plea agreement

A man from Hampton, Carter County, Tennessee, who faced accusations of uploading…