By John Q. Hosedrinker 
US health officials are planning to release data on child deaths and serious side effects potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccines, despite the lack of supporting evidence and concerns of increased vaccine hesitancy. This move is part of a larger effort to cast doubt on vaccines and reduce access, with the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices revisiting recommendations for COVID, measles, and hepatitis B shots. Critics worry that changes to recommendations could lead to insurance companies no longer covering certain vaccines. Moreover, there is a concern over the addition of anti-vaccine advisers to the HHS.
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US health officials to revisit vaccine policies using anti-vax tactics, experts warn, and this is definitely something we need to unpack. Apparently, there’s some serious concern brewing about potential shifts in how vaccines are handled, and it’s all centered around the actions of “health officials.” We’re talking about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the folks who advise the CDC on vaccine recommendations. They’re about to vote on several key vaccines, including those for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B (given at birth), and, of course, COVID. The decisions made could have significant ripple effects, affecting insurance coverage and access.
If the ACIP decides to change recommendations, it could impact whether insurance companies will cover these vaccines. According to some, if a vaccine isn’t on the CDC’s recommended schedule, insurance companies, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, might not foot the bill. While some insurance providers might still choose to cover them, there’s no guarantee, and this uncertainty is understandably causing some anxiety. This can create a real healthcare problem for anyone who isn’t able to afford vaccinations out of pocket.
Now, the big question is: what exactly are these potential policy changes? Experts are suggesting that the process could involve tactics that mirror those used by anti-vaccine proponents. Using a system like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to cast doubt on vaccine safety is one such tactic, even though VAERS is a reporting system, not a tool for proving causality. Anyone can submit a report to it, which means that it can be easily misused, and has been. This, combined with other factors, paints a concerning picture.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t just about personal choices. The recommendations of the ACIP play a big role in the Vaccines for Children program, which provides shots to nearly half of all children in the US. Any changes could potentially impact herd immunity, making it easier for diseases to spread. And while some may see this as a way to limit healthcare costs, it could also lead to a surge in preventable illnesses and deaths.
The implications are far-reaching. The potential impact on vulnerable populations, like newborns or people with weakened immune systems, is something that many are concerned about. It seems that the possible impact on the HPV vaccine is also being considered as well. And of course, we all have the COVID vaccine to consider too.
Some people are understandably worried about the direction things are heading. It feels like a lot of people are being asked to accept an increase of death in the United States. The sheer amount of work that vaccines do in preventing disease has largely gone unnoticed. Vaccines, after all, are preventative.
There are those who are questioning the motivations behind the changes. Some suspect that these decisions might be politically motivated. Others suggest there could be a more cynical goal, perhaps aimed at a sort of “eugenics” program, even if it is unintended.
It’s important to remember that children don’t have a choice in this matter. They depend on their parents, and the effects of these decisions will play out in their lives. Increased disease rates could mean more hospital visits, higher healthcare costs, and potentially, a rise in fatalities.
This is a complex situation, filled with potential consequences, and some are saying we’re watching a disaster unfold. It’s a critical moment, and the decisions made by “health officials” could have a lasting impact on public health in the United States. With potential shifts in vaccine policies on the horizon, it’s clear that there’s a lot to consider, and the stakes are incredibly high.