The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) took a courageous step in making this recommendation. They’ve even moved the goalposts on their own vaccine schedule now saying to give several doses of Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR) and chickenpox rather than the long accepted single vaccine. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the alleged adverse effects of the MMR vaccine. In doing so it aims to increase compliance by parents and caregivers.
The MMR vaccine, which is typically given as a single injection, immunizes children against three highly infectious and dangerous diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. As the CDC notes, these diseases can cause serious health issues for children. Before the measles vaccine was developed in the 1960s, around 48,000 children were hospitalized each year from measles-related complications.
Among the recent inflammatory topics discussed by the committee has been the increased risk of febrile seizures associated with the MMR vaccine. Febrile seizures are brief, convulsive seizures associated with fever that occur in 2% to 5% of young children. Sometimes brought on by fever, they tend to leave no permanent injury. Notably, about one in 3,000 children may experience a febrile seizure shortly after receiving the first dose of the MMR vaccine.
Their discussions further underscored the need for clear communication efforts with the general public, as many adults are unaware of or are against vaccination mandates. A recent survey indicated that 70% of adults are in favor of requiring MMR vaccinations in schools. That’s an increase from only 63% a year prior in 2023. This growing support is a really big deal, because it indicates that public attitudes towards vaccine policies are changing.
“Families are very concerned. I think there’s an increased hesitancy through all families right now,” said Kirk Milhoan, highlighting the sentiments shared by many caregivers regarding vaccine safety and policy.
The committee understood that uncoupling the two doses of MMR would increase overall noncompliance. Surprisingly, they pointed out that providing the doses as separate vaccines could be just as impactful. The problem with providing two doses, or as was proposed, separating the two doses is that we know compliance declines. Combination vaccines have a tremendous advantage, noted Dr. Cody Meissner of Tufts University. They make it more likely that both children and adults will get and stay fully vaccinated.
The ACIP’s recommendations is a key part in determining which vaccines health insurers will cover, including the MMR vaccine. They decide which vaccines are available without charge through government programs such as the government Vaccines for Children program. At their next meeting this Friday, the committee is looking to move the discussion further in the direction of Covid vaccines.
Medical professionals tell parents that febrile seizures are harmless and carry no risk of lasting cognitive or developmental issues in children. They’re seeking to address the fear and panic that follows these occurrences. “It’s a very frightening experience, but I think people are very comfortable in saying that a febrile seizure is not associated with any sort of impaired performance or neurocognitive development or school problems,” noted Dr. Meissner.
These possible changes to vaccination policy mark the continuation of a larger discussion on vaccine safety and our national public health strategy. As discussions continue, health officials aim to balance the need for effective immunization against the backdrop of parental concerns regarding vaccine mandates and safety.