A vaccine panel led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed changes to Covid shot recommendations, including weakening Covid shot recommendations, voting against a combination jab for children under 4, and postponing a vote on the hepatitis B vaccine. The CDC still needs to approve these recommendations. Several regional health alliances and insurance plans are continuing to cover vaccines based on previous guidance. Experts recommend consulting trusted medical groups for updated vaccine recommendations. Some ACIP members raised concerns about vaccine side effects, despite evidence of their safety and effectiveness.

ACIP recommended shared clinical decision-making for Covid vaccines, advising those at high risk of severe illness to get vaccinated. The panel emphasized consulting a healthcare provider before receiving a shot. Professional medical organizations recommend updated vaccines for specific age groups and high-risk individuals. Access to Covid shots varies by state, with some states preserving access through executive orders. Major health insurance plans will cover vaccines based on previous guidance.

ACIP voted against recommending the combination MMRV vaccine for children under 4, citing a slightly increased risk of seizures. The CDC still recommends separate MMR and chickenpox shots or the MMRV vaccine for the first dose. Access to the MMRV vaccine for children older than 4 remains unchanged. The U.S. has seen a rise in measles cases this year.

ACIP postponed a vote on delaying the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine from birth, keeping the current recommendation in place. Delaying the birth dose could reverse progress in eliminating the disease in young children. Trump suggested delaying hepatitis B vaccines until age 12, despite the benefits of the birth dose in protecting infants from infection. Experts emphasize the importance of the birth dose in preventing transmission from infected mothers.

Read more at CNBC: What to know about Covid, MMRV, hepatitis B vaccines after RFK Jr. changes