ATLANTA In a significant move for public health, a federal panel of experts convened on Wednesday to recommend an expansion of vaccinations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among adults, as well as the introduction of a new combination vaccine aimed at protecting teenagers from meningitis. This marks an important step in the ongoing effort to enhance immunization strategies against prevalent and potentially severe illnesses.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of 15 experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed their recommendations during their latest meeting. This panel plays a crucial role by providing guidance on how vaccines that have received regulatory approval should be used within the United States.

Aside from the RSV and meningitis vaccines, the committee also discussed the growing concern of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness. They recommended a vaccine specifically for travelers heading to regions where chikungunya is endemic.

However, there remains uncertainty regarding the next steps. Typically, CDC directors endorse the recommendations put forth by the ACIP, a practice that has been consistent over time. Currently, Susan Monarez, who was appointed as the acting director of the CDC by the Trump administration in January, is awaiting Senate confirmation. In the interim, she has effectively recused herself from regular duties due to federal regulations surrounding vacancies. This situation leaves the final decision on the committee's recommendations potentially in the hands of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, raising concerns about the future of these public health strategies.

The recommendations from the ACIP include:

  • Individuals aged 50 to 59 who have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should have access to RSV vaccinations.
  • A new combination shot produced by GSK, designed to protect against five strains of meningococcal bacteria, has been endorsed. This includes a strain linked to outbreaks that affected college campuses approximately a decade ago, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with meningitis.
  • For American travelers aged 12 and older heading to regions where chikungunya is prevalent, an additional chikungunya vaccine option has been proposed.
  • Furthermore, the ACIP suggested a precautionary measure regarding the older chikungunya vaccine, which utilizes a weakened but live virus. The recommendation states that individuals aged 65 and older should carefully consider the risks versus benefits of receiving this particular vaccine, especially following reports of adverse effects in a small number of vaccinated individuals within this age group.

The CDC's ongoing commitment to public health is reflected in these new recommendations, though the path forward remains to be clearly defined. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that they are currently evaluating how these recommendations will be handled moving forward, indicating a level of complexity in the decision-making process.

This development in vaccine strategy is supported by the Associated Press Health and Science Department, which receives backing from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Nonetheless, the AP maintains full responsibility for the content delivered in this report.