Kennedy's new US vaccine panel to discuss measles shot for children

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Source: Reuters

June 18, 2025 6:26 PM EDT Updated 11 hours ago


WASHINGTON, June 18 (Reuters) - U.S. vaccine advisers will discuss recommendations for flu vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal and a combination measles shot for children this month, putting topics of concern to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. high on the public health agenda.

Kennedy, who has a long history of sowing doubt over the safety of vaccines, contrary to scientific evidence, wrote a book in 2014 claiming that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, causes brain damage. He has also prominently promoted the idea that vaccines that combine shots against measles, mumps and rubella, as well as varicella are linked to autism. Repeated scientific studies have disproved both assertions. Since taking the role of top U.S. health official under the Trump administration, Kennedy is changing vaccine policies for the American public.

He recently asked for a review of all data including for the measles shot, by far the best way to prevent infection with the highly contagious and sometimes deadly virus. The panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, is due to meet on June 25 and 26. It will vote on the safety of flu shots and discuss proposed recommendations for use of the combined MMRV vaccine for children under 5 years of age, according to a draft agenda on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website on Wednesday.

While the seasonal flu shot was expected to be on the meeting agenda, neither the topic of thimerosal nor the MMRV vaccine was anticipated. The meeting agenda did not specify who will be presenting data on either subject. The Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment on the record on why topics were added to the agenda or who would be making presentations.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/cdcs-vaccine-advisory-committee-vote-rsv-flu-shots-2025-06-18/