Controversy in the US: vaccination recommendations for children changed by a politically reorganized committee

Experts appointed by the Trump administration to the new Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices (ACIP) voted last week to no longer recommend vaccinating children under four with the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMR) vaccine. Instead, they will opt for two separate vaccinations: one against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and the other for varicella, AFP reports.

• Official arguments and harsh criticism

The committee's motivation was the invocation of the risk of minor side effects, although the scientific community claims that these are not serious. "It's a strategy designed to scare parents," reacted Sean O'Leary, an infectious disease specialist. Many doctors warn that the measure could sow unwarranted doubts and complicate access to vaccines. "Any change should strengthen, not weaken, the system that guarantees the health of our children," stressed epidemiologist Syra Madad, quoted by the American press.

• Increased risk of disease resurgence

The decision comes amid a decline in vaccination rates after the COVID-19 pandemic. The US has already reported three deaths from measles in 2025 - an unprecedented situation in the last three decades. The meeting of the committee, led by biostatistician Martin Kulldorff, was tense, AFP also reports. He claimed that the group is "pro-vaccination", but critics accused him of promoting erroneous information. "They do not intend to debate based on solid science," said infectious disease specialist Wilbur Chen. In addition, some members pointed out that the data used is limited and may convey a false image of the safety of vaccines. Jason Goldman, a representative of a medical association, harshly criticized the lack of solid substantiation.

• Decisions with major financial impact

The ACIP recommendations affect not only public health, but also the coverage of costs by insurance and national programs. In the US, a vaccine can cost several hundred dollars, which makes these recommendations essential for their accessibility. The American Academy of Pediatrics and several Democratic-led states decided to issue their own recommendations, considering that the ACIP committee's guidance is no longer reliable. In June, the same structure, recently reorganized by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., had been criticized for promoting anti-vaccine theses.