CDC Updates Vaccination Recommendations: Personal COVID-19 Decisions, Separate MMR & Chickenpox Shots for Toddlers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its vaccination recommendations. It now advises Americans to decide individually whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and it no longer universally recommends the MMRV vaccine for toddlers.
The CDC's changes come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) narrowed marketing authorization for updated COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC now recommends that individuals make personal decisions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, as booster shots have sparked safety and efficacy concerns. The CDC's acting director, Jim O'Neill, emphasized the importance of 'informed consent' in vaccination decisions.
The CDC also revised its recommendations for toddlers. It now advises that they receive the MMR and chickenpox shots separately, instead of the combined MMRV vaccine. This change is due to a slightly increased risk of febrile seizures associated with the MMRV vaccine. The CDC no longer recommends its universal use for toddlers.
These changes were made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which has seen significant changes since June. After Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 of its members, he appointed a new committee of 12, including Martin Kulldorff as chair, Retsef Levi, and Robert Malone. This was the committee's second meeting since the appointment of new members.
The CDC's updated recommendations reflect evolving understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy. Americans are now encouraged to make individual decisions about COVID-19 vaccination, and toddlers will receive MMR and chickenpox shots separately. The CDC's acting director emphasizes the importance of informed consent in vaccination decisions. Many major insurers have committed to covering the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine through at least 2026.
