Atlanta, Georgia – A federal panel of medical experts made significant recommendations on Wednesday regarding the expansion of vaccinations for adults and teens. The panel proposed including RSV vaccinations for people aged 50 to 59 with certain health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, a new combination shot for meningitis was endorsed by the panel, offering protection against five strains of meningococcal bacteria, including a strain that has caused outbreaks on college campuses in the past.
Another proposal from the panel included adding a second chikungunya vaccine for travelers aged 12 and older visiting countries where outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness occur. This recommendation aims to provide more options and increased protection for Americans traveling to affected regions. The panel also advised on a precaution for the older chikungunya vaccine, suggesting that individuals aged 65 and older should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of receiving this particular version of the shot.
The decision on whether to accept these recommendations will be made by Matthew Buzzelli, the Chief of Staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the agency currently does not have a permanent director. Despite his background in law rather than medicine, Buzzelli will be responsible for evaluating and implementing the panel’s suggestions. The current acting director of the CDC, Susan Monarez, holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology but has recused herself from regular duties due to federal law regarding vacancies.
The panel’s recommendations come at a time of heightened focus on vaccination and disease prevention. With the global health landscape evolving rapidly, experts and officials are continuously assessing and updating guidelines to safeguard public health. It remains to be seen how quickly the CDC will act on the panel’s suggestions and how these recommendations will impact vaccination practices moving forward.