Federal Advisory Panel Unanimously Shifts COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance to Individual Consultations

Atlanta, GA – A federal advisory committee, recently reconstituted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has unanimously voted to eliminate the broad recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations for all Americans. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now advises that individuals aged six months and older should engage in "shared clinical decision-making" with a healthcare provider before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. This significant shift, which includes those aged 65 and older, marks a departure from previous universal vaccination guidelines.

The decision was made during a two-day meeting in Atlanta, where the 12-member panel, hand-picked by Secretary Kennedy after he dismissed the previous 17 members, reviewed various vaccine policies. Several new appointees have expressed skepticism regarding mRNA vaccine safety and efficacy. The panel also recommended that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopt stronger language around potential vaccine risks and uncertainties.

This change means that while COVID-19 vaccines are still available, the default recommendation for all age groups has been replaced by a requirement for individual consultation. For those under 65, the panel emphasized that the vaccine's benefits are greatest for individuals at high risk of severe illness. Public health experts and medical associations have voiced concerns that this shift could lead to confusion among the public and potentially create new barriers to vaccine access.

The implications of this policy change were highlighted by Richard Hanania, who tweeted, "> No more Covid vaccine recommendations for anyone. If you’re 80 years old, RFK wants you to do your own research and make a decision." This sentiment reflects the panel's move towards greater individual responsibility in vaccine decisions. While government-run insurance plans are expected to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines, the impact on private health plans and the ease of access at pharmacies remains a point of discussion.

The ACIP's new stance has drawn criticism from some medical professionals who argue that the new panel selectively used data and that the vaccines have been proven safe and effective. Several states have already begun issuing their own broader COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in anticipation of these federal changes. The CDC's acting director is expected to review the panel's recommendations in the coming days, which typically become official government policy.