CDC Vaccine Panel Updates : In September 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made notable decisions that could significantly impact childhood vaccination protocols in the United States. These changes focus on the combined MMRV vaccine and the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns.
MMRV Vaccine Recommendations Revised
The ACIP voted 8-3 against recommending the combined MMRV vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella—for children under four years old. This decision stems from evidence indicating a slightly higher risk of febrile seizures associated with the combined shot compared to administering the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines separately.
Febrile seizures, while generally harmless, can be distressing for parents. To minimize that risk, the panel now advises that children receive separate MMR and varicella vaccines as their first doses. However, the combined MMRV vaccine remains recommended for the second dose administered between ages four and six.
Some members of the committee expressed concern that splitting the vaccines may create barriers such as increased missed appointments, given that combination vaccines traditionally help improve compliance by reducing the number of shots. Despite those concerns, the safety data informed the panel’s stance prioritizing child safety.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose Vote Delayed
The committee also postponed a crucial vote on changing the hepatitis B vaccination policy for newborns. Currently, the hepatitis B vaccine is universally recommended for all newborns shortly after birth to prevent lifelong infection and liver disease. The proposed policy under consideration would limit the vaccine at birth only to infants whose mothers test positive for hepatitis B.
This delay in decision-making was to address issues related to vaccine coverage under the federally funded Vaccines for Children program. Restricting the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination raises worries among health experts who caution it could lead to increases in chronic hepatitis B infections and related health complications if universal birth dose coverage is reduced.
Broader Implications and Context
These recent decisions happen amid a broader shift in vaccine advisory leadership following appointments by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has publicly raised vaccine safety concerns and has reshaped the vaccine advisory committee with members sharing his views. This has raised debates about the balance between vaccine safety concerns and the risks of reducing established vaccination protocols.
Childhood vaccination coverage has been a crucial public health success in preventing serious infectious diseases. The changes recommended and debated by the ACIP in 2025 emphasize an ongoing evaluation of vaccine benefits and safety, but also highlight challenges in maintaining public confidence and high vaccination rates.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended
separating the MMR and varicella vaccines for young children due to minor seizure risks
associated with the combined MMRV shot. Meanwhile, decisions on limiting the
universal hepatitis B vaccine birth dose have been delayed amid ongoing policy reviews.
These changes mark a significant moment in U.S. vaccine policy, underscoring the importance
of continuous safety assessment and clear communication to the public about vaccine benefits and risks.
