A closer look at the new members of the CDC vaccine advisory panel

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long relied on the expertise of outside experts to guide its recommendations on vaccine usage for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. However, a recent change in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has raised concerns. The new panel members include individuals who have been critical of vaccines or lack significant expertise in infectious diseases.

One of the new ACIP members is a psychiatrist who has conducted research on the potential link between pregnant women consuming fish and autism. Another member is a board member of an organization that raises concerns about vaccine safety. While some of the new members have acknowledged the importance of vaccines for protection, others have admitted to having limited expertise in this area.

Kathryn Edwards, the scientific director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, has worked with three of the new ACIP members in the past, although she did not disclose their names.

This development has raised questions about the potential impact on the CDC’s vaccine recommendations. It is important to have a diverse group of experts with a deep understanding of infectious diseases and vaccine safety to ensure that the best decisions are made for public health.

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