By Frank Ulom
WASHINGTON (CONVERSEER) – The United States’ top vaccine advisory body is preparing to introduce significant revisions to the country’s recommended childhood and adolescent immunisation schedule, in what could mark the most substantial shift in decades.
According to documents released by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which operates under the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a new workgroup has been set up to examine the timing, order, and composition of various childhood vaccines.
The group is tasked with “reviewing data, as well as clinical and scientific knowledge related to the childhood and adolescent immunisation schedule.” Its review will cover several key areas, including the timing and sequencing of vaccines, the use of monoclonal antibodies, the safety of ingredients such as aluminium, and comparisons with vaccine schedules used in other countries.
While details about the membership and leadership of this workgroup have not been disclosed, its agenda closely aligns with concerns long raised by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of current vaccination policies. Kennedy has repeatedly argued that American children receive too many vaccines at an early age and has questioned some of the ingredients used in the shots. He has also praised European vaccine schedules, often calling for the U.S. to model its approach on practices across the Atlantic.
One of the most immediate changes under consideration is a delay in the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine, which is currently given to newborns within 24 hours of birth. During a recent ACIP meeting, the panel — whose members were appointed by Kennedy — debated whether to postpone the shot until a baby is one month old. The vote on the proposal was ultimately deferred.
However, some committee members believe the proposed one-month delay is insufficient. Robert Malone, a member of the committee, told MAHA supporters during a recent call that he was the one who moved to table the vote, arguing that the delay should be significantly longer.
“A lot of people don’t understand what transpired there,” Malone said, adding that the issue will likely return to the agenda in future meetings with a stronger push for a more extended postponement.
The decision to delay the vote was welcomed by several public health experts and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who commended the committee for taking more time to examine the implications.
The formation of the workgroup and its potential recommendations signal a growing willingness within the U.S. health establishment to revisit long-standing vaccine policies. Any changes proposed by ACIP would still need to undergo a formal review and approval process before being adopted into the national immunisation schedule.
