Hepatitis B and MMRV Vaccines Up for Vote by Kennedy’s Panel

Kennedy’s Vaccine Panel Poised to Vote on Hepatitis B and MMRV Shots

A New Committee, A New Direction

ATLANTA — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly formed vaccine advisory panel convened Thursday for a two-day meeting to review shots for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox. The group, hand-picked by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous 17-member committee, includes several figures critical of vaccines and is drawing intense scrutiny from doctors and public health groups.

Votes are expected on two major issues: whether to alter long-standing guidance that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, and whether to limit use of the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine in children under age 4.

Rethinking the Hepatitis B Birth Dose

For decades, U.S. health authorities have urged hospitals to administer hepatitis B shots within hours of birth, a policy credited with dramatically reducing childhood infection rates. Public health leaders, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say pulling back on that recommendation risks undoing hard-won progress.

“Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death,” said Noel Brewer, a former committee member removed by Kennedy. “We didn’t see real progress until the birth dose became standard.”

Documents show the panel is weighing options such as delaying the first dose until one month of age or leaving the decision up to parents and doctors — unless the mother tests positive for the virus.

Concerns Over the MMRV Combination Shot

The committee is also set to review use of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox in a single injection. Chair Martin Kulldorff has cited rare cases of seizures in toddlers who received the combination shot as the reason for reconsideration.

The CDC’s standing recommendation allows either the combined vaccine or separate MMR and varicella doses for the first round, though most pediatricians opt for separate shots initially and reserve the MMRV for the second dose. Critics argue there is no new safety data that would justify changing current practice.

Growing Alarm in the Medical Community

Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic before becoming health secretary, has already rolled back CDC recommendations for COVID-19 shots in children and pregnant women. That move triggered lawsuits from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups, as well as new state-level actions to ensure continued vaccine access.

Doctors warn the latest debates could sow confusion among parents and weaken public trust. “If rumor and speculation outweigh scientific evidence, we may face serious consequences,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman, former chief scientist at the FDA.

Turmoil Inside the CDC

The overhaul has sparked turmoil within the CDC itself. Former CDC head Susan Monarez was ousted after clashing with Kennedy over vaccine policy, and several senior officials resigned in protest, citing concerns that recommendations were being predetermined rather than science-driven.

The committee is scheduled to issue recommendations on COVID-19 shots Friday, adding to what many experts see as a turning point in U.S. vaccination policy.