Order To Restore Prior Vaccine Policy Leaves 20 States, Clinicians In Limbo
The CDC has not updated its guidance on the childhood vaccine schedule, putting the states that signed onto Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pared-down recommendations in a tough spot. The ruling also inadvertently blocks the use of a free monoclonal antibody that protects against RSV.
The New York Times:
Ruling On RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policy Changes Leaves Health Groups Scrambling
On Tuesday, experts in public health, law and government said they were still trying to understand its ramifications. In at least one case, some unintended harm may result: The decision leaves unresolved questions about the status of a shot that protects against respiratory syncytial virus, or R.S.V., the leading cause of hospitalization among infants. That shot may no longer be available for free to children who need it because its inclusion was authorized by the current vaccine advisers. (Mandavilli, 3/17)
CIDRAP:
Vaccine Lawsuit Against Kennedy Could Reach Supreme Court
Although a federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s changes to the US childhood immunization schedule, the US Supreme Court could have two chances over the next year to weigh in on the decision, legal experts say. US District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy said the sweeping overhaul of federal vaccine recommendations by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated a law that governs how public policy changes are made, as did Kennedy’s firing of all 17 members of an influential immunization advisory panel. (Szabo, 3/17)
NBC News:
Bernie Sanders Demands Bill Cassidy Hold A Hearing To Debunk RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Claims
Sen. Bernie Sanders is demanding that Senate Health Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy hold a hearing to set the record straight that there is no link between vaccines and autism. Cassidy, R-La., a doctor, has been outspoken about his belief that vaccines are “safe and effective and will not cause autism.” (Leach, 3/17)
On cancer vaccines —
The Wall Street Journal:
Exclusive | HHS Has A Potential Solution For Cancers That Keep Coming Back: Vaccines
The Trump administration, which has been skeptical of vaccines that prevent infections, is going all in on a new initiative to deploy novel vaccines against cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Cancer Institute, has initiated a potential $200 million public-private partnership to fund clinical trials of vaccines that spark an immune attack on tumors. These vaccines may ward off cancer in patients who have been treated for the disease, but are at high risk for recurrence. (Gormley, 3/17)
More health news from the Trump administration —
NPR:
The Threats To Minnesota's Medicaid Funds Are Unprecedented. Other States Could Be Next
When Sarah Lindbo's 14-year-old daughter Greta is thriving, she is playful, engaged and not in pain. Greta, who has cerebral palsy, requires a range of supports to get to that point. That includes doctors, medical equipment, prescriptions, a paraprofessional at school and a care assistant at home. Many of these services depend on Medicaid. (Kim, 3/18)
KFF Health News:
Evidence Shows ACA’s Mandated Benefits Alone Don’t Drive Up Costs. The Debate Continues
In January, when President Donald Trump unveiled his one-page outline to address health care spending, dubbed “The Great Healthcare Plan,” he specifically mentioned the Affordable Care Act’s role in driving up costs. “I call it the unaffordable care act,” he said. He reprised the line in his 2026 State of the Union address, blaming “the crushing cost of health care” on Obamacare. (Appleby and Boden, 3/18)
