Minnesota Experts Alarmed by New CDC Vaccine Recommendations

Jan 6, 2026, 2:38 AM

Hover over text to view sources

Health experts in Minnesota are sounding the alarm over recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) childhood vaccine recommendations. These changes follow a significant overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is responsible for guiding vaccine policy in the United States. The new leadership, appointed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, has raised concerns about the potential erosion of public trust in vaccines and the implications for child health.

The ACIP, which traditionally included a diverse group of scientific experts, was recently reconstituted under Kennedy's direction, leading to the dismissal of all 17 previous members. This move has been met with widespread criticism from public health officials and medical organizations, who argue that it undermines the established scientific process that has historically guided vaccine recommendations.

Dr Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, emphasized that the changes could exacerbate misinformation and confusion surrounding vaccines. He warned that Kennedy's leadership might lead to a decline in vaccination rates, which could have long-lasting effects on public health, particularly for children who may miss critical immunizations.

The new ACIP has already made controversial recommendations, including questioning the use of thimerosal, a preservative used in some flu vaccines. Critics argue that these recommendations are politically motivated and not based on sound scientific evidence. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has announced its decision to boycott ACIP meetings, stating that the committee is no longer a credible source for immunization policy.

Public health experts are particularly concerned about the implications of these changes for childhood vaccinations. Vaccines have been proven to prevent serious diseases and save lives, with the CDC estimating that childhood vaccines prevented over 500 million cases of illness and 1.1 million deaths between 1994 and 2023.

The recent changes come at a time when vaccine hesitancy is already on the rise, fueled by misinformation and a lack of trust in public health authorities. Experts warn that the politicization of vaccine recommendations could further erode public confidence, making it more difficult to achieve herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations.

In response to these developments, the Vaccine Integrity Project was launched by the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. This initiative aims to safeguard vaccine use in the US by ensuring that recommendations are grounded in the best available science and free from external influence.

As the situation unfolds, health experts in Minnesota and across the country are urging policymakers to prioritize evidence-based practices and restore public trust in vaccination programs. The potential consequences of these changes could be dire, with experts warning that a decline in vaccination rates could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases.

In conclusion, the recent overhaul of the ACIP and the new CDC vaccine recommendations have raised significant concerns among health experts. The potential erosion of trust in vaccines could have serious implications for public health, particularly for children who rely on immunizations to protect them from serious diseases. As the debate continues, it is crucial for public health officials to communicate transparently and effectively to ensure that the importance of vaccination is understood and upheld.

Flu Activity in the U.S. Expected to Rise for Weeks, CDC Warns

Flu activity in the United States is projected to continue increasing over the coming weeks, according to Dr Carrie Reed from the CDC. Current estimates indicate over 11 million illnesses and a new variant, subclade K, is now the dominant strain. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and early treatment with antivirals for those at higher risk.

Flu-like Illness Activity Reaches Record Highs in the U.S.

New data from the CDC reveals that flu-like illness activity in the US has reached its highest recorded levels, with significant increases in hospitalizations and cases. The surge is primarily driven by a new strain of the flu virus, prompting health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination.

FDA Rejects Outlook's Eye Drug Lytenava for Second Time

The FDA has declined to approve Outlook Therapeutics' eye disease drug, Lytenava, for the second time, citing insufficient evidence of effectiveness. This decision follows a previous rejection in 2023 due to manufacturing issues and the need for more clinical data.

U.S. Measles Cases Surge to Highest Level in Over 30 Years

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that US measles cases have reached their highest level in over 30 years, with 1,288 confirmed cases across 38 states. The resurgence is attributed to declining vaccination rates and significant outbreaks, particularly in Texas.

Flu Cases Surge as CDC Reports Rising Hospitalizations

Flu cases in the US are surging, with over 19,000 hospital admissions reported last week alone. The CDC attributes this rise to a new strain of the virus, and experts warn that the situation may worsen as the season progresses.