Osterholm Update Special Update: Dysfunction at ACIP
Sep 22, 2025
In a recent update, hosts dive into the chaos at the ACIP meeting, highlighting disarray in COVID-19 vaccine guidelines. They discuss the contentious debates surrounding childhood vaccinations, particularly the MMRV febrile seizure risks. The confusion over hepatitis B newborn vaccinations adds to the drama of the meeting. Tune in for insightful commentary on these critical vaccine discussions and what they mean for public health.
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Meeting Described As Chaotic
- Michael Osterholm called the ACIP meeting poorly prepared and chaotic, noting members often didn't understand what they voted on.
- He warned final decisions may still be altered by CDC or HHS leadership despite ACIP votes.
Critique Of mRNA Panel Influence
- A working group led by Retsev Levy emphasized safety concerns and questioned mRNA vaccine data quality during ACIP deliberations.
- Osterholm and outside experts argued those critiques reflected misunderstanding and low-quality evidence.
Shared Decision-Making Creates Access Uncertainty
- ACIP voted for shared clinical decision-making for COVID vaccines in those 65+, creating unclear access implications.
- Osterholm flagged ambiguity about who qualifies as a provider and how states may apply barriers like prescriptions.