RFK Jr.’s Handpicked Vaccine Panel Nixes Measles-Chickenpox Combo for Kids Under 4

The article discusses a recent decision by a vaccine advisory panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), to not recommend a combination measles-chickenpox vaccine for children under 4 years old. This decision was made despite the vaccine being approved by the FDA and widely used in other countries. The panel's decision was influenced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist, who had handpicked the panel members. The article suggests that this decision could lead to a decrease in overall vaccination rates for children, potentially putting them at risk of contracting these diseases. The article also notes that the ACIP's decision goes against the recommendations of leading health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which support the use of the combination vaccine. The article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and the influence of anti-vaccine advocates on policymaking.