Latest news with #KennedyJr.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Pepsi copies Coca-Cola to win back health-conscious consumers
Many Americans may not realize the importance of the gut microbiome, or the ecosystem of microbes that live in our intestines, and its impact on overall health. A 2023 Ipsos poll also revealed that many Americans have accepted to live with their digestive problems, with one in five saying they tried many things to resolve the issue, but haven't succeeded. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter About 18% of Americans confirm they have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and 15% say they have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). How is this possible? Food plays a significant role in our gut and overall health. However, it is not the only culprit for various illnesses, because poor nutrition is often associated with other less healthy behaviors. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are leading sources of added sugars in the American diet, and frequent consumption is associated with weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, kidney diseases, obesity, gout, a type of arthritis and more. However, more frequent consumers of sugary drinks tend to be those who don't exercise regularly, eat fast food often, smoke, don't sleep enough, and do not consume enough fruit, reports the CDC. Over the last couple of years, healthier soda alternatives have grown in popularity, due to the newer generations' focus on healthier lifestyles and mindful eating. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently started a major crackdown on various ingredients commonly found in food and beverages, with one of the goals being to eliminate synthetic dyes in food and drinks. Related: Scientists find massive anti-aging potential in magic mushrooms Kennedy Jr. also stressed that sodas are one of the biggest contributors to the poor health of many Americans. Under the White House's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, pressure is mounting on soda giants to adapt their formulas. Just recently, it was announced that Coca-Cola might make a big change to its sodas- switching from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola launched its own prebiotic soda under its juice brand Simply, and now its biggest rival, PepsiCo (PEP) , is making a similar move. More Retail: Target delights shoppers with savings event, 30% discountsUS government wants to make healthier eggs illegalPepsi issues stern message to employees after mass closures On July 21, the soda giant announced the launch of its Pepsi Prebiotic Cola with: 5 grams of cane sugar; Only 30 calories (a standard Pepsi serving contains about 150 calories);No artificial sweeteners; 3 grams of prebiotic fiber. Pepsi is launching prebiotic cola in two traditional flavors: Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla. Available in 12 oz. single cans for trial and 8-packs of 12 oz. cans, the new sodas will be available online this fall and at stores in early 2026. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola's launch comes a few months after the beverage titan announced the purchase of prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion. Pepsi's move into a healthier beverages market was a way to win back customers. After all, according to a study by Harvard researchers, the number of young people who consumed at least one daily sugar-sweetened drink dropped to 61% from 80% between 2003 and 2016. Related: Target delights shoppers with savings event, 30% discounts Prebiotics are non-digestible, fermentable food ingredients that modify the composition or activity of gastrointestinal bacteria to benefit the host, according to the National Library of Medicine. Foods like cereals, breads, and snack foods have added prebiotics if you see on the food label some of the following terms: inulin, wheat dextrin, acacia gum, psyllium, polydextrose, GOS (galactooligosaccharides), FOS (fructooligosaccharides), and TOS (transgalactooligosaccharides). While prebiotic sodas can support your gut health, too much of it can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Experts advise people who have gastrointestinal problems such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis to avoid them. Samantha Nazareth, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist, told Woman's Health that prebiotic soda shouldn't replace plant-based foods like apples, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, and oats, which naturally contain gut-friendly fiber. The outlet consulted with experts to determine what health-conscious consumers should look for in prebiotic soda for the most benefits. They advised the following: Three grams of fiber per serving from ingredients like chicory root, inulin, and acacia fiberNo more than 10 grams of sugar Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Newsweek
27-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
COVID Vaccines Heart Risk Warning Update Issued by FDA
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its warnings on Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines about the risks of two heart conditions. These manufacturers, the two main COVID-19 vaccine providers, will now have to update their information about the chances of myocarditis and pericarditis, the FDA said in a safety communication notice issued Wednesday. Newsweek has contacted Pfizer and Moderna, via email, for comment. Why It Matters Myocarditis, when the heart muscle gets inflamed, can make it harder for the heart to pump blood possibly causing chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats. Pericarditis, when the thin lining around the heart (called the pericardium) becomes inflamed, can also cause sharp chest pain that feels worse when lying down. Pfizer and Moderna have both advised doctors about cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in young men who have taken the vaccine since 2021 but the FDA has asked them to expand these warnings. It comes with an ongoing conversation about vaccines with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointing new vaccine advisers to debate the continuing use of COVID-19 vaccines for certain groups, including pregnant women. Critics worry that Kennedy Jr. is undermining trust in vaccines, while he and his supporters argue that more transparency about the risks of vaccines is needed. What To Know The new warning says that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis has shown to be highest among men between the ages of 12 and 24. Previous labels said the issue was a risk for men aged 12 to17, according to The Associated Press. It also says that there were around 8 cases per 1 million people who got the 2023-2024 COVID shots between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old, citing analyses of commercial health insurance claims data. This label change seemingly conflicts with a previous conclusion published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which concluded that there was no increased risk of myocarditis detected in government vaccine injury databases for COVID-19 shots dating back to 2022. Infectious diseases expert Amesh Adalja, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, was one of several who spoke out against the new warning. "Myocarditis and pericarditis were delimited side effects identified early on with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines," he told Newsweek. "These small risks, which are well known, have largely diminished as they were really concentrated with the initial two-dose series given to adolescent/young adult males." "To push the label change now—in the current anti-vaccine context of RFK's HHS—can only be interpreted as a way to dissuade people away from the vaccines," he added. Robert Morris, a public health specialist at the University of Washington, also spoke out against the new warning, arguing that, while the risk of these heart conditions needs to be considered, a more specific approach should be taken. "We should be investigating who is prone to myocarditis to see if we can predict and mitigate that risk," he told The Associated Press. Earlier this month, Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a key panel that guides national vaccine policy. "The committee has been plagued with persistent conflicts of interest and has become little more than a rubber stamp for any vaccine," he wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post. "It has never recommended against a vaccine—even those later withdrawn for safety reasons." Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who had voiced concerns about Kennedy's nomination but ultimately supported his confirmation as health secretary, was one of several who expressed worries about the move. He wrote on X that he spoke with Kennedy shortly after the announcement and said: "The concern now is that ACIP could be stacked with individuals whose only familiarity with vaccines is rooted in skepticism." What People Are Saying The new warning has to include the following language: "Based on analyses of commercial health insurance claims data from inpatient and outpatient settings, the estimated unadjusted incidence of myocarditis and/or pericarditis during the period 1 through 7 days following administration of the 2023-2024 Formula of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines was approximately 8 cases per million doses in individuals 6 months through 64 years of age and approximately 27 cases per million doses in males 12 through 24 years of age. "Follow-up information on cardiovascular outcomes in hospitalized patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is available from a longitudinal retrospective observational study. Most of these patients had received a two-dose primary series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine prior to their diagnosis. In this study, at a median follow-up of approximately 5 months postvaccination, persistence of abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings that are a marker for myocardial injury was common. The clinical and prognostic significance of these CMR findings is not known." Dr. Robert Morris said about the new warning: "They are right to suggest that we need to consider myocarditis risks associated with the vaccine, but what they propose is exactly the wrong solution." Amesh Adalja said: "This seems to be something not driven from a desire to understand the now even more rare phenomenon and make it even more rare but something else." What Happens Next The FDA has required Pfizer and Moderna to "conduct a study to assess if there are long-term heart effects in people who have had myocarditis after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine which are currently taking place. "Continuous monitoring and assessment of the safety of all vaccines, including the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, is an FDA priority and we remain committed to informing the public when we learn new information about these vaccines," the FDA said.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Moderna wins FDA OK to widen use of RSV vaccine
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. The Food and Drug Administration has approved wider use of Moderna's respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in a boost for a company that's been negatively impacted by the recent leadership changes atop U.S. public health agencies. The shot, dubbed mResvia, was cleared on Thursday for adults aged 18 to 59 who are at high risk for increased risk of RSV-related disease. Prior to the label expansion, Moderna's shot was only available to adults 60 or older. "RSV poses a serious health risk to adults with certain chronic conditions, and today's approval marks an important step forward in our ability to protect additional populations from severe illness from RSV," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement. The expansion is a much-needed win for Moderna, which has been among those hardest hit by the changes in vaccine policy enacted by new FDA leaders Martin Makary and Vinay Prasad, as well as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Makary and Prasad, for instance, have outlined stricter approval standards for COVID-19 vaccines and called for developers to perform more placebo-controlled trials. Kennedy Jr., who has long been critical of the kind of messenger RNA vaccines Moderna is known for, has said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would remove COVID shots from the recommended immunization schedules for pregnant women and healthy children. He also, this week, overhauled the CDC panel that determines who should get which vaccines and shapes private insurance coverage for inoculations. Some of the new members of the eight-person panel include vaccine skeptics and doctors with different focus areas. The changes at the CDC could have important implications for Moderna. In April, the CDC panel recommended broadening use of RSV shots to enable adults 50 to 59 years of age who are at a higher risk of severe RSV-related disease to get vaccinated. But the agency still doesn't have an acting director, and Kennedy Jr. has yet to endorse that recommendation. Without a formal clearance, insurers are not required to cover the cost of the shot. The newly constituted panel's first meeting is scheduled for June 25-27, and will be closely watched by investors. In a research note Friday, William Blair analyst Myles Minter noted that the gathering will be 'important for sentiment in the vaccine sector, which continues to decline.' Minter believes Moderna, which has seen its share price plummet more than 80% over the last year, will need to significantly cut costs to meet its objective of breaking even financially by 2028.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
RFK Jr. fires entire 17-member CDC vaccine board. Here are the vaccines they recommended
RFK Jr. fires entire 17-member CDC vaccine board. Here are the vaccines they recommended Show Caption Hide Caption RFK Jr. expels entire CDC vaccine advisory committee Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. removed a 17-member panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that issues recommendations on vaccines. unbranded - Newsworthy Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed 17 members of a CDC vaccine advisory committee. Kennedy Jr. cited restoring public trust as the reason for the dismissals, despite his history of vaccine misinformation. Critics warn this move prioritizes ideology over science and could worsen disease outbreaks like measles. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, fired all 17 members of a Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee of vaccine experts and said he will replace them with new members to restore "public trust" in his latest effort to overhaul American health agencies. Critics say such a move puts ideology over science, will undermine the government's role in vaccine safety, and could lead to more deadly disease transmissions. The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices makes recommendations on the safety, efficacy, and clinical need of vaccines to the CDC. It is comprised of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States. 'Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,' Kennedy Jr., who has a history of spreading misleading and controversial claims about vaccines, said on June 9 in announcing the overhaul. 'The public must know that unbiased science — evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest — guides the recommendations of our health agencies.' Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that Kennedy Jr's work has undermined trust and "upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives." "With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses," he said. As of June 5, a total of 1,168 confirmed measles cases were reported by 34 jurisdictions, including a child under four in Florida, and three people have died from it. The CDC said the deaths were the first from measles in the United States since 2015. Kennedy Jr., when asked, has backed vaccination as a preventive tool during a measles outbreak but also said that vaccines should be left to parents' discretion. 'What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant,' the health secretary said after being after being asked about the measles vaccine. Trump administration reducing COVID vaccine recommendations On May 27, Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a reversal of previous expert guidance. As of June 10, pregnant women are still advised on the CDC website to stay current with COVID boosters, but where the CDC previously recommended COVID vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, the updated page now recommends them only for "most adults" aged 18 and older. Parents are instead urged to discuss vaccines for their children with their healthcare provider. The CDC's advisory committee did not vote on this change, USA TODAY reported, and did not appear in Kennedy Jr.'s social media video announcing it. U.S. Food and Drug Administration leaders under Kennedy Jr. announced in May that the agency would stop recommending annual COVID-19 vaccines for anyone under the age of 65 without certain medical conditions. What has RFK Jr. said about vaccines? Kennedy, 71, a longtime environmental lawyer and founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, has for years promoted several widely discredited views such as Wi-Fi causes cancer, fluoride in public water systems causes bone cancer and IQ loss, and antidepressants are linked to school shootings. He has also long spread false and misleading claims about vaccines, including the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, that COVID-19 was 'ethnically targeted' to attack 'Caucasians and Black people' while sparing 'Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese' people, and the measles vaccine caused a measles outbreak. One of his advisors previously petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to withdraw the polio vaccine. Although he stopped short of recommending measles vaccines, as the outbreak spread Kennedy Jr. did urge parents to consider measles vaccination. However, the health secretary, who has no formal medical training, also recommended other methods of prevention and treatment such as vitamin A, cod liver oil and a healthy diet. Public health officials and doctors have said there is no evidence to support the claims that such moves prevent or treat measles. The only proven method of preventing measles, at a rate of 97% efficacy, is vaccination, according to the CDC. Measles outbreak: RFK Jr. touts vitamin A for measles prevention. Doctors disagree. What you need to know about the Measles outbreak: Watch Cases of the measles are on the rise, but many doctors have never treated a case. Here's what you should know. What vaccines are recommended for adults? The adult vaccine list currently recommended by the CDC has not changed since before President Donald Trump took office, but other government websites have updated to fit the priorities of the Trump administration. Here's a list of the vaccines currently recommended by the CDC as of June 10, 2025. The CDC recommends that everyone be up to date on these routine vaccines: Other vaccines that adults may want to consider include: Chickenpox vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1980 or later Hepatitis B vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 59 years of age, and for some adults 60 years of age and older with known risk factors HPV vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 26 years of age, and for some adults aged 27 through 45 years MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) – recommended for all adults born in 1957 or later Along with these, other vaccines are recommended for people in different situations. What vaccines are recommended for pregnant people? Tdap vaccine — Get between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby against whooping cough. Hepatitis B vaccine Especially make sure you get the flu vaccine if you're pregnant during fly season, October through May. What vaccines are recommended for healthcare workers? Along with the routine ones, healthcare works also should get: Chickenpox vaccine (varicella) Hepatitis B vaccine Meningococcal vaccine – especially lab workers who work with Neisseria Meningitidis MMR vaccine What vaccines are recommended for international travel? Each country in the world has its own list of required vaccines, check when you make your plans. The CDC currently has a list here and note that measles cases are increasing across the globe. The World Health Organization also has a list of vaccines international travelers may want. Talk to your healthcare provider and get any needed vaccines at least four to six weeks before your trip to help build up immunity. You can take the CDC quiz to get a list of vaccines you need based on your lifestyle, travel habits and other factors. What vaccines are recommended for seniors? Chickenpox vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1980 or later Hepatitis B vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 59 years of age, and for some adults 60 years of age and older with known risk factors HPV vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 26 years of age, and for some adults aged 27 through 45 years MMR vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1957 or later Shingles vaccine – recommended for all adults 50 years of age and older What vaccines are recommended for people with health conditions? Asplenia (without a functioning spleen) : Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Meningococcal vaccines – both MenACWY and MenB, Pneumococcal vaccine : Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Meningococcal vaccines – both MenACWY and MenB, Pneumococcal vaccine Diabetes, type 1 and type 2: Pneumococcal vaccine Pneumococcal vaccine Heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases: Pneumococcal vaccine Pneumococcal vaccine HIV infection: Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). Pneumococcal vaccine, Shingles vaccine. If your CD4 count is 200 or greater, you may also need Chickenpox vaccine and MMR vaccine Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). Pneumococcal vaccine, Shingles vaccine. If your CD4 count is 200 or greater, you may also need Chickenpox vaccine and MMR vaccine Liver disease: Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Lung disease (Including Asthma or COPD): Pneumococcal vaccine Pneumococcal vaccine End-stage renal (kidney) disease: Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Weakened immune system (excluding HIV infection): Hib vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccines, Meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY and MenB), Shingles vaccine What vaccines are recommended for children? Birth: Hepatitis B vaccine (1st of 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Hepatitis B vaccine (1st of 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine 1-2 months: DTaP vaccine (1st of 5), Hib vaccine (1st of 3 or 4), Hepatitis B vaccine (2nd of 3), IPV (for polio, 1st of 4), PCV (1st of 4), rotavirus vaccine (1st of 2 or 3) DTaP vaccine (1st of 5), Hib vaccine (1st of 3 or 4), Hepatitis B vaccine (2nd of 3), IPV (for polio, 1st of 4), PCV (1st of 4), rotavirus vaccine (1st of 2 or 3) 4 months: DTaP vaccine (2nd of 5), Hib vaccine (2nd of 3 or 4), IPV (2nd of 4), PCV (2nd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (2nd of 2 or 3) DTaP vaccine (2nd of 5), Hib vaccine (2nd of 3 or 4), IPV (2nd of 4), PCV (2nd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (2nd of 2 or 3) 6 months: COVID-19 vaccine, DTaP vaccine (3rd of 5), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3), IPV (3rd of 4), Hib vaccine (3rd of 3 or 4), PCV (3rd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (3rd of 2 or 3) COVID-19 vaccine, DTaP vaccine (3rd of 5), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3), IPV (3rd of 4), Hib vaccine (3rd of 3 or 4), PCV (3rd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (3rd of 2 or 3) 7-11 months: Flu vaccine Flu vaccine 12 -23 months: Chickenpox vaccine (1st of 2), DTaP vaccine (4th of 5), flu vaccine (every flu season), Hepatitis A vaccine (1st of 2), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3 between 6 months and 18 months), Hib vaccine (4th of 4), IPV (3rd of 4 between 6 months and 18 months), MMR vaccine (1st of 2), PCV (4th of 4). Chickenpox vaccine (1st of 2), DTaP vaccine (4th of 5), flu vaccine (every flu season), Hepatitis A vaccine (1st of 2), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3 between 6 months and 18 months), Hib vaccine (4th of 4), IPV (3rd of 4 between 6 months and 18 months), MMR vaccine (1st of 2), PCV (4th of 4). 2-3 years: Flu vaccine every flu season. Flu vaccine every flu season. 4-6 years: Chickenpox vaccine (2nd of 2), DTaP vaccine (5th of 5), Flu vaccine every flu season, IPV (4th of 4), MMR vaccine (2nd of 2). Chickenpox vaccine (2nd of 2), DTaP vaccine (5th of 5), Flu vaccine every flu season, IPV (4th of 4), MMR vaccine (2nd of 2). 7-10 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, good time to catch up on any missing vaccines. Flu vaccine every flu season, good time to catch up on any missing vaccines. 11-12 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, HPV vaccine (2 doses), MenACWY vaccine (1st dose of 2), Tdap vaccine. Flu vaccine every flu season, HPV vaccine (2 doses), MenACWY vaccine (1st dose of 2), Tdap vaccine. 13-18 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, MenACWY vaccine (2nd dose of 2), MenB vaccine (2 doses), MenABCWY vaccine. Baby vaccines: Babies get a lot of vaccines before they turn 2. Is it safe to spread them out instead? What vaccines does Florida require to attend school? The state of Florida requires certain vaccines to be administered before children may enroll and attend childcare and school. According to the Florida Department of Health, the following vaccines are required, with age-appropriate doses: Immunizations required for childcare and/or family daycare Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Varicella (chickenpox) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Public/non-public preschool entry DTaP IPV MMR Varicella Hib Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Public/non-public schools kindergarten through 12th grade Four or five doses of DTaP Four or five doses of IPV Two doses of MMR Three doses of Hep B One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 2008–2009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider. As of 2010, children entering, attending or transferring to the seventh grade in Florida schools must also complete one Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap). Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. fires entire 17-member CDC vaccine board. Here are the vaccines they recommended
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, fired all 17 members of a Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee of vaccine experts and said he will replace them with new members to restore "public trust" in his latest effort to overhaul American health agencies. Critics say such a move puts ideology over science, will undermine the government's role in vaccine safety, and could lead to more deadly disease transmissions. The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices makes recommendations on the safety, efficacy, and clinical need of vaccines to the CDC. It is comprised of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the civilian population of the United States. 'Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,' Kennedy Jr., who has a history of spreading misleading and controversial claims about vaccines, said on June 9 in announcing the overhaul. 'The public must know that unbiased science — evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest — guides the recommendations of our health agencies.' Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned that Kennedy Jr's work has undermined trust and "upends a transparent process that has saved countless lives." "With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses," he said. As of June 5, a total of 1,168 confirmed measles cases were reported by 34 jurisdictions, including a child under four in Florida, and three people have died from it. The CDC said the deaths were the first from measles in the United States since 2015. Kennedy Jr., when asked, has backed vaccination as a preventive tool during a measles outbreak but also said that vaccines should be left to parents' discretion. 'What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant,' the health secretary said after being after being asked about the measles vaccine. On May 27, Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a reversal of previous expert guidance. As of June 10, pregnant women are still advised on the CDC website to stay current with COVID boosters, but where the CDC previously recommended COVID vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, the updated page now recommends them only for "most adults" aged 18 and older. Parents are instead urged to discuss vaccines for their children with their healthcare provider. The CDC's advisory committee did not vote on this change, USA TODAY reported, and did not appear in Kennedy Jr.'s social media video announcing it. U.S. Food and Drug Administration leaders under Kennedy Jr. announced in May that the agency would stop recommending annual COVID-19 vaccines for anyone under the age of 65 without certain medical conditions. Kennedy, 71, a longtime environmental lawyer and founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, has for years promoted several widely discredited views such as Wi-Fi causes cancer, fluoride in public water systems causes bone cancer and IQ loss, and antidepressants are linked to school shootings. He has also long spread false and misleading claims about vaccines, including the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, that COVID-19 was 'ethnically targeted' to attack 'Caucasians and Black people' while sparing 'Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese' people, and the measles vaccine caused a measles outbreak. One of his advisors previously petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to withdraw the polio vaccine. Although he stopped short of recommending measles vaccines, as the outbreak spread Kennedy Jr. did urge parents to consider measles vaccination. However, the health secretary, who has no formal medical training, also recommended other methods of prevention and treatment such as vitamin A, cod liver oil and a healthy diet. Public health officials and doctors have said there is no evidence to support the claims that such moves prevent or treat measles. The only proven method of preventing measles, at a rate of 97% efficacy, is vaccination, according to the CDC. Measles outbreak: RFK Jr. touts vitamin A for measles prevention. Doctors disagree. The adult vaccine list currently recommended by the CDC has not changed since before President Donald Trump took office, but other government websites have updated to fit the priorities of the Trump administration. Here's a list of the vaccines currently recommended by the CDC as of June 10, 2025. The CDC recommends that everyone be up to date on these routine vaccines: COVID-19 vaccine and boosters Flu vaccine (influenza) Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria) Other vaccines that adults may want to consider include: Chickenpox vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1980 or later Hepatitis B vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 59 years of age, and for some adults 60 years of age and older with known risk factors HPV vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 26 years of age, and for some adults aged 27 through 45 years MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) – recommended for all adults born in 1957 or later Along with these, other vaccines are recommended for people in different situations. Tdap vaccine — Get between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby against whooping cough. Hepatitis B vaccine Especially make sure you get the flu vaccine if you're pregnant during fly season, October through May. Along with the routine ones, healthcare works also should get: Chickenpox vaccine (varicella) Hepatitis B vaccine Meningococcal vaccine – especially lab workers who work with Neisseria Meningitidis MMR vaccine Each country in the world has its own list of required vaccines, check when you make your plans. The CDC currently has a list here and note that measles cases are increasing across the globe. The World Health Organization also has a list of vaccines international travelers may want. Talk to your healthcare provider and get any needed vaccines at least four to six weeks before your trip to help build up immunity. You can take the CDC quiz to get a list of vaccines you need based on your lifestyle, travel habits and other factors. Chickenpox vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1980 or later Hepatitis B vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 59 years of age, and for some adults 60 years of age and older with known risk factors HPV vaccine – recommended for all adults up through 26 years of age, and for some adults aged 27 through 45 years MMR vaccine – recommended for all adults born in 1957 or later Shingles vaccine – recommended for all adults 50 years of age and older Asplenia (without a functioning spleen): Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b), Meningococcal vaccines – both MenACWY and MenB, Pneumococcal vaccine Diabetes, type 1 and type 2: Pneumococcal vaccine Heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases: Pneumococcal vaccine HIV infection: Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). Pneumococcal vaccine, Shingles vaccine. If your CD4 count is 200 or greater, you may also need Chickenpox vaccine and MMR vaccine Liver disease: Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Lung disease (Including Asthma or COPD): Pneumococcal vaccine End-stage renal (kidney) disease: Hepatitis B vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine Weakened immune system (excluding HIV infection): Hib vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccines, Meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY and MenB), Shingles vaccine Birth: Hepatitis B vaccine (1st of 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine 1-2 months: DTaP vaccine (1st of 5), Hib vaccine (1st of 3 or 4), Hepatitis B vaccine (2nd of 3), IPV (for polio, 1st of 4), PCV (1st of 4), rotavirus vaccine (1st of 2 or 3) 4 months: DTaP vaccine (2nd of 5), Hib vaccine (2nd of 3 or 4), IPV (2nd of 4), PCV (2nd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (2nd of 2 or 3) 6 months: COVID-19 vaccine, DTaP vaccine (3rd of 5), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3), IPV (3rd of 4), Hib vaccine (3rd of 3 or 4), PCV (3rd of 4), rotavirus vaccine (3rd of 2 or 3) 7-11 months: Flu vaccine 12 -23 months: Chickenpox vaccine (1st of 2), DTaP vaccine (4th of 5), flu vaccine (every flu season), Hepatitis A vaccine (1st of 2), Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd of 3 between 6 months and 18 months), Hib vaccine (4th of 4), IPV (3rd of 4 between 6 months and 18 months), MMR vaccine (1st of 2), PCV (4th of 4). 2-3 years: Flu vaccine every flu season. 4-6 years: Chickenpox vaccine (2nd of 2), DTaP vaccine (5th of 5), Flu vaccine every flu season, IPV (4th of 4), MMR vaccine (2nd of 2). 7-10 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, good time to catch up on any missing vaccines. 11-12 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, HPV vaccine (2 doses), MenACWY vaccine (1st dose of 2), Tdap vaccine. 13-18 years: Flu vaccine every flu season, MenACWY vaccine (2nd dose of 2), MenB vaccine (2 doses), MenABCWY vaccine. Baby vaccines: Babies get a lot of vaccines before they turn 2. Is it safe to spread them out instead? The state of Florida requires certain vaccines to be administered before children may enroll and attend childcare and school. According to the Florida Department of Health, the following vaccines are required, with age-appropriate doses: Immunizations required for childcare and/or family daycare Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) Varicella (chickenpox) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Public/non-public preschool entry DTaP IPV MMR Varicella Hib Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV15/20) Hepatitis B (Hep B) Public/non-public schools kindergarten through 12th grade Four or five doses of DTaP Four or five doses of IPV Two doses of MMR Three doses of Hep B One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 2008–2009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider. As of 2010, children entering, attending or transferring to the seventh grade in Florida schools must also complete one Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap). Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fires CDC vaccine board, what to know
