SEATTLE, Wash. – As the CDC wraps up its second day of meetings on vaccine recommendations, insights from Dr. Helen Chu of the University of Washington are shedding light on how these decisions might impact families.
The CDC’s vaccine advisors have been discussing recommendations for the COVID vaccine and early childhood vaccines like those for measles and hepatitis B. After the meetings concluded, Dr. Chu, a professor of allergy and infectious diseases at the University of Washington, shared her thoughts with the media.
Dr. Chu highlighted the unusual decision-making process observed during the meeting.
“Normally when we vote for a vaccine, we vote to recommend it and then we vote to pay for it using the Vaccines for Children program. They voted yes to separating the vaccine but they voted no on the payment. And you don’t do that because it creates a lot of confusion. Usually it’s a yes yes vote, or a no no vote,” Chu said.
These decisions, according to Dr. Chu, influence not only recommendations but also insurance coverage. This effectively limits options for families wanting to make their own vaccine decisions.
The group decided to table a vote on hepatitis B vaccines, maintaining the current guidance for newborns. They also chose to separate the MMR-V vaccine guidance into two different shots, a practice Dr. Chu noted is already common.
Regarding COVID vaccines, they are now available without a prescription for those who want them. However, medical providers are required to discuss possible risks.
Previously, the COVID vaccine was recommended only for those 65 and older, restricting access for others outside this age range who wanted the shot.
