Three major vaccines are ready for review – and experts say they are likely to change under Trump’s administration.
The ACIP Advisory Committee, which is responsible for the creation of national guidelines for children and adults, is scheduled to meet in Atlanta on September 18 and 19.
The table will probably vote whether to support or change guidance for four vaccines: hepatitis B, COVID-19, MMR (measles, mumps and red) and Varicella (the virus that can cause chickenpox and pebble), According to the latest CDC agenda. These viruses can have serious health effects for pregnant, embryos and newborn babies.
Rewire News Group talked to two doctors about what could happen when the vaccine board meets and how possible changes in vaccine recommendations could affect the health of millions of people of reproductive age in the US
Hepatitis B can be transmitted at birth
The discussion of hepatitis B vaccine is Catering president at the dose of the newborn of the drug, which is given to infants shortly after birth. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and sexual fluidsand can spread from a pregnant woman in the infant both in the womb and during childbirth. If not undergoing treatment, inflammation caused by chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to liver scars This causes the organ to fail.
The CDC is currently a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth, a second dose of age between one and two months and a final dose of 6-18 months. Inoculation immediately after birth “maximizes the efficiency of the vaccine in the prevention of newborn infection”, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (Aap).
People were infected at birth with chronic hepatitis B who never received treatment with an emphasis on 25 % life risk for developing liver cancer, According to the hepatitis B institution. Those infected with hepatitis B are up to 4 % annual risk of liver cancer, depending on whether they have cirrhosis.
Prior to 1991, when the US started a vaccination program designed to neutralize hepatitis B infections obtained during pregnancy and childbirth, about 18,000 to -20,000 babies were diagnosed each year, said Dr. James Campbell, Vice President of the US Army. Today, only 20 to 30 are.
Most hepatitis B infections can be linked to a specific risk factor, such as intravenous drug use, sex with an infected person or being born in a positive hepatitis B. but up to one third cannot be, Campbell said.
“We don’t know where everyone gets it,” Campbell added. “Giving all babies the vaccine protects them both from the known and the unknown dangers to get hepatitis B.”
Covid -9 can be dangerous during pregnancy
COVID-19 may have mild symptoms that mimic a cold or influenza or cause pneumonia, organ deficiency and even death. COVID-19 Convention during pregnancy increases the risk of serious illness and death, according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Acog), the leading professional organization for us Ob-Gyns. Covid -9 during pregnancy is also connected to failure; Mournful and other pregnancy complications.
Acog started Recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for Most pregnant In 2021, the same year became widely available. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and pregnancy complications and some virus protection is transmitted to newborns. Babies are not eligible for COVID-19 vaccine until 6 months old.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Union, said: “Women of breeding age … They are certainly at risk of moving and, in my opinion, should be vaccinated.”
Measles, mumps, red and fan
Acip is also expected to discuss MMR and Varicella vaccines, which are available in two separate shots or a single, combined shot. An expert vaccine prescribed Political That he is worried that the team could make the decision he was shot in to use away from parents and healthcare providers.
If contracted, these viruses can cause rash, fever and swelling. Although rarely, they can cause serious complications and death – sometimes years Recovery from the virus.
The measles were declared eliminated In the US in 2000, but a recent measles epidemic in Texas that has contaminated more than 700 people since January 2025 led to about 100 hospitalizations. Two children died. Reduced vaccination rates are believed to have played a role in the epidemic.
The cdc For the time being Children receive two doses of MMR vaccines and fan – one between 12 and 15 months and one second between 4 and 6 years.
Changes will have consequences, supporters warn
The Acip meeting comes amid a deliberate disassembly of the Nation’s Public Health Infrastructure under the administration of Trump. Minister of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It has long adopted anti-epileptic views that do not comply with the available scientific data.
In June 2025, Kennedy shot all 17 existing ACIP members citing “persistent conflicts of interest”. Since then he has chosen 12 new people to sit on the table-many of whom have shown skepticism of a vaccine or other marginalized scientific views. The team has already marked the interest in reviewing previous recommendations and vaccine programs, especially for children.
Experts and supporters warn That the chaos, confusion and misinformation surrounding Kennedy’s vaccine recommendations will further undermine the public’s confidence in vaccines. A recent Washington Post/KFF poll He found that more than 15 % of parents have been delayed or omitted to take their child a recommended childhood vaccine.
Changing regulations could also make it difficult for patients who still want or need protection from these diseases.
Recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines, both for pregnant and young children, are in flow for months. In May 2025Kennedy abruptly overturned the guidelines, stating that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy pregnant women.
What do experts say
THE Washington Post referenced On September 12, Trump Health officials plan to connect the COVID-19 vaccine to the deaths of 25 children during the upcoming ACIP meeting.
The leading health organizations are stuck with their guidance: Acog in August 2025 confirmed Recommendation that pregnant and lactating people receive the COVID-19 vaccine and amplifiers.
“The full body of data clearly shows that Covid-19 vaccines are not only safe to use during pregnancy but also protectively both during pregnancy and after the infant,” said Dr. Mark Turrentine, an ob-gyn who helped ACOG guidance, in a statement.
A former high -level CDC employee told NPR HE expects the table will delay the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.
“We are very close to eliminating perinatal hepatitis B,” Campbell said Corner. “It will be a step back if we decide to overthrow everything that has been done all these years for no reason.”
