The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new pediatric COVID-19 vaccine recommendations that differ from those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raising concerns among healthcare professionals and policymakers.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a warning to physicians who may follow the AAP’s advice, stating that any divergent recommendations are not shielded from liability under the 1986 Vaccine Injury Act. However, law professor Dorit Reiss argues that this claim is misleading, as the liability protections apply to manufacturers and administrators, not just the recommended vaccines.
Reiss notes that COVID-19 vaccines for children are not currently covered by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which means they are not affected by Kennedy’s comments. However, she suggests that future changes to VICP could impact childhood vaccines already covered under the program.
The AAP has fired back at Kennedy’s criticism, stating that its immunization recommendations are based on decades of peer-reviewed science and transparent conflict-of-interest disclosures. The organization welcomes the opportunity to review its recommendations with Kennedy and restore its seat at the table.
Kennedy’s actions have also been criticized by other healthcare groups, including the American Medical Association, which has lost participation in ACIP work groups due to the CDC’s changes in leadership.
Source: https://www.medpagetoday.com/pediatrics/vaccines/117132