CDC advisory group suspends mRNA vaccine recommendation plan
A group of experts advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has paused its plan to discontinue recommending mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines amid rising political concerns within the Trump administration, reports BritPanorama.
This development follows polling indicating that a significant portion of the American public, including supporters of the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, remains in favor of vaccinations. There is apprehension among Republican leaders that continued criticism of vaccines could negatively impact the party’s performance in the upcoming midterm elections, prompting the White House to refocus health officials on issues that resonate more favorably with voters.
While the decision to shelve the recommendation against mRNA vaccines is currently temporary, sources suggest it may be revisited in the coming months. Additionally, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that the CDC’s committee has not revised its September 2025 decision concerning the classification of Covid vaccines under shared clinical decision-making in immunisation schedules.
The news was first reported by the Washington Post.
Covid-19 vaccines, developed rapidly under President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed, are widely acknowledged for saving millions of lives. These vaccines, employing mRNA technology, were delivered in less than a year following extensive clinical trials involving over 70,000 participants.
Despite their success, mRNA vaccines have become targets of conspiracy theories, leading to significant scrutiny and criticism. In August, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled federal funding for mRNA projects and indicated that no new initiatives would be launched, potentially undermining the country’s readiness for future pandemics.
Members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), appointed by Kennedy, have voiced opposition to the vaccines, echoing claims without credible evidence linking them to more safety issues than the virus itself.
A coalition of anti-vaccine advocates aligned with Kennedy has been active in promoting narratives about vaccine injuries and questioning the safety of vaccines. ACIP members, including Dr. Robert Malone, have suggested an upcoming meeting may address these contentious issues, implying a shift in policy direction.
The upcoming ACIP meeting on March 18-19 is scheduled to include votes on matters related to Covid-19 vaccine injuries and long Covid. However, this session could be postponed depending on judicial rulings regarding a request by professional groups aimed at preventing the committee from convening.
In a significant September vote, ACIP altered the CDC’s recommendation from a blanket endorsement of Covid-19 vaccines for all eligible Americans to a model requiring shared clinical decision-making. This change introduces additional steps in accessing vaccines, a move that may complicate public health efforts as it limits straightforward access.
Challenges surrounding vaccine recommendations continue to undermine ACIP’s traditional influence, as numerous states now look to alternative sources for guidance rather than the CDC, reflecting a growing division in the public health landscape.
