States align to issue independent vaccine recommendations
Seven northeastern U.S. states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, have formed the Northeast Public Health Collaborative to issue their own vaccine recommendations. This is in response to federal changes under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has shown vaccine skepticism.
The coalition mirrors the West Coast Health Alliance, a similar group of western states issuing independent vaccine guidance. The move comes after Mr. Kennedy replaced all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel members with his own advisers, raising concerns about federal immunization guidance.
The northeast coalition recommends updated COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 18 years, adults with risk factors and adults over 64, and supports vaccination for all adults. Several states have also expanded authority for pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone, bypassing federal limits.
The CDC advisory panel voted Sept. 18 to remove the MMRV combination shot for children under 4. Most U.S. children already receive separate MMR and chickenpox shots, but critics warn the change could confuse parents, affect insurance coverage and lower vaccination rates.
Read more: Reuters
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