CDC’s vaccine advisory meeting rescheduled to April 15-16

The CDC's vaccine advisory meeting has been postponed and will now take place on April 15-16. Originally set for February, the rescheduling aims to allow public comment. This meeting is particularly noteworthy because it will be the first since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been working since the postponement. They will present updates and findings at the upcoming meeting, which will include important discussions about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. The full agenda will be released later. Concerns arose after the meeting's delay, especially given RFK Jr.'s past skepticism about vaccines. Health experts noted the committee's vital role in reviewing scientific data and making vaccine recommendations. HHS officials stated the delay was necessary to enhance public involvement. Measles cases in the U.S. have recently surged to 301 in 15 jurisdictions, as reported on March 13. This year's outbreak includes one confirmed death. The CDC reported that 95% of those infected are unvaccinated. Most cases involve individuals under 18 years old. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious health problems. The World Health Organization emphasizes that community vaccination is the most effective way to curb its spread. The disease can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated people nearby.