Exclusive: #RFKJr aide & #vaccine critic questions recent #expert recommendations
An aide to US *#Health* RFKJr is seeking more information about 3 #vaccines recommended by a panel of outside #experts last month, acc/to documents reviewed by Reuters & 2 sources familiar w/the situation.
#AntiVax #ConspiracyTheories #science #medicine #PublicHealth #health #policy #law #USpol #Trump
reuters.com/business/healthcar…
Nonilex
in reply to Nonilex • • •The advisory panel to the #CDC had made recommendations regarding the use of separate shots approved to help protect against #RSV, #meningitis & #chikungunya. The CDC is not required to adopt their recommendations, but when it does, they become guidelines for #medical practitioners to follow.
#AntiVax #ConspiracyTheories #science #medicine #vaccines #PublicHealth #health #policy #law #USpol #Trump #RFKJr
Nonilex
in reply to Nonilex • • •Dr. William “Reyn” Archer III joined #HHS, which oversees #CDC, as a counselor in the secy's office after #RFKJr took over in Feb, records show. A critic of #vaccines on social media for the past several yrs, Archer served as TX state #health commissioner in the late 1990s.
…His role reviewing the Advisory Cmte on #Immunization Practices’ recommendations is the latest indication of how RFKJr, who has spent decades raising doubts about the safety & efficacy of vaccines, is reshaping US #policy.
Nonilex
in reply to Nonilex • • •…As part of his #HHS role, Archer has in recent days posed questions to the #CDC about the advisory cmte recommendations, acc/to the documents & 2 sources.
One recommendation would expand eligibility for #RSV #vaccines made by Pfizer & GSK to #HighRisk adults aged 50-59 from a current threshold age of at least 60 yrs.
In response, Archer asked for more justification of the expansion given what he described as a “possible decline in efficacy with a second dose.”…
#PublicHealth #Trump #RFKJr
Nonilex
in reply to Nonilex • • •…ACIP also voted to recommend expanded use of GSK's #vaccine for #meningitis, & Archer questioned how providers administer it.
In addition, ACIP recommended the use of a new #chikungunya vaccine from Bavarian Nordic, which Archer has not disputed. However, #RFKJr's aide asked for more information about a recommendation to expand the use of a vaccine for the mosquito-borne #virus made by Valneva, the documents show.
#science #medicine #vaccines #PublicHealth #health #policy #law #USpol #Trump
Nonilex
in reply to Nonilex • • •Archer also asked to know what adjuvants & platforms are being used for all the #vaccines discussed at the #ACIP meeting, & their length of immunity.
#RFKJr is currently reviewing the latest ACIP recommendations in the absence of a #CDC director, & it is unclear whether the #HHS secretary will ultimately sign off on them.
The decision will impact #PublicHealth & major drug companies.
#AntiVax #ConspiracyTheories #science #medicine #health #policy #law #USpol #Trump
Joe Stewart
in reply to Nonilex • • •I think it’s important for people to understand that Archer is not an expert in vaccines or public health, for example. In fact, I suspect that his expertise lies in pandering to Republican politicians.
Here’s a quick summary of his professional career - you’ll note the absence of any NIH / HHS experience.
legistorm.com/person/bio/13304…
Reyn Archer - Previously held position: 1st Congressional District of Nebraska (March 2022-June 2022), Senior Legislative Adviser - Biography | LegiStorm
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