The fact that nothing can be done about anti-vax Kennedy and his anti-vax panel is so depressing and disturbing. Folks, this all goes back to Senator DOCTOR Cassidy approving RFK, Jr., and yet he has the audacity to say today on X, "As a liver doctor who has treated patients with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. The birth dose is a recommendation, NOT a mandate." This is on you, Cassidy.
Related to all that pre work, the governor of my state announced earlier this week that no matter what ACIP said, our children would remain eligible for the HepB vaccine and insurance would pay for it.
The adjective that comes to my mind to describe the 2-day ACIP fantasy fest is shameful. I thought I had heard it all after day 1, but day 2 was even worse. Suffice it to say that the only presentation this afternoon was from a vaccine injury lawyer (RFK buddy) who proceeded to cherrypick multiple charts and graphs to show how several infectious disease incidences have decreased but somehow failed to realize that it is because of the overwhelming success of childhood vaccine mandates. He also clearly has no grasp of herd immunity. He kept referring back to rebuilding trust. How much will parents trust our health system when their children succumb to diphtheria and other once extinct diseases? But the absolute caker for me was the mention of Joe Rogan by Dr. Griffin in her presentation. Really?
I'd like to applaud Cody Meissner for his patience, fortitude, and willingness to continue to sit on the committee and fight valiantly against the bullshit that flies in that room. And while I'm at it, I'd like to stick a sock in Levi's mouth who so enjoys hearing himself speak.
Thank you. The clarity from YLE has been immensely helpful in my clinical practice. I have so many patients wanting information and you have helped me develop a calm(er) response! Im still amazed that people will trust us to prescribe antibiotics, surgeries, & life saving care, but question our efforts and science for prevention.
Thank you for the succinct overview. The path forward is very clear. Heavy messaging targeting pregnant women and their doctors about the benefits of the Hepatitis series beginning at birth. Begin messaging at prenatal visits. Emphasize the inconvenience of testing and delay (more visits and more sticks.) Manufacturers and professional associations lobby state governments to ensure Medicaid coverage based on known financial program savings down the line. Manufacturers create a vaccine access fund to cover those without insurance coverage, made available with a single form from the provider. Also, build support for routine hepatitis testing during pregnancy. As a screening tool for evaluating additional risk it has added value.
The people who are truly opposed to the hepatitis vaccinations are largely already refusing them or giving birth in settings where the vaccine is unlikely to be offered. There is little that can be done about those folks anyway. The problem is low information parents who are now at risk. That can be addressed. The relevant industries know how to create demand for a vaccine and increase uptake (the model I am thinking of is HPV vaccine.) Promoting the vaccine as if it were new can have the effect of 1) raising awareness where it was preciously low, 2) reinforcing trust and communication between patients and providers when a patient asks for the vaccine and 3) providing a way for new parents to feel like they have agency in protecting their newborn at a time when many parents feel helpless and overwhelmed.
I add my thanks here to the long litany of thanks and praise commenters have already offered to you and everyone who stepped up here. One of many remarkable things you do is, while at the same time as explaining the horrors clearly, you inspire hope, and in particular the hope that if we each do what we can to push back against bad science, together, we can make a difference.🙏👏🙏
This whole year has been nightmare that I wish I can wake up from. Thank you for all that you do.
It really helps to have these glimmers of hope from public health experts in the field that are trying their best protect everyone.
Once again, thank you for your evidence based summary of this disastrous meeting. It's very scary when there are no adults in the room.
The fact that nothing can be done about anti-vax Kennedy and his anti-vax panel is so depressing and disturbing. Folks, this all goes back to Senator DOCTOR Cassidy approving RFK, Jr., and yet he has the audacity to say today on X, "As a liver doctor who has treated patients with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. The birth dose is a recommendation, NOT a mandate." This is on you, Cassidy.
Related to all that pre work, the governor of my state announced earlier this week that no matter what ACIP said, our children would remain eligible for the HepB vaccine and insurance would pay for it.
I’ve been waiting for your update. Thank you. I am beyond concerned about how this will play out in the long term.
The adjective that comes to my mind to describe the 2-day ACIP fantasy fest is shameful. I thought I had heard it all after day 1, but day 2 was even worse. Suffice it to say that the only presentation this afternoon was from a vaccine injury lawyer (RFK buddy) who proceeded to cherrypick multiple charts and graphs to show how several infectious disease incidences have decreased but somehow failed to realize that it is because of the overwhelming success of childhood vaccine mandates. He also clearly has no grasp of herd immunity. He kept referring back to rebuilding trust. How much will parents trust our health system when their children succumb to diphtheria and other once extinct diseases? But the absolute caker for me was the mention of Joe Rogan by Dr. Griffin in her presentation. Really?
I'd like to applaud Cody Meissner for his patience, fortitude, and willingness to continue to sit on the committee and fight valiantly against the bullshit that flies in that room. And while I'm at it, I'd like to stick a sock in Levi's mouth who so enjoys hearing himself speak.
Love you for being at the frontline...always! Please keep the energy and hope alive!
Thank you for this recap
My anxiety has been so high these two days.
Today I was yelling at the stream while driving
The entire presentation about Denmark v US was ridiculous.
5 million pop w universal healthcare v 350 million
Today's decision is more evidence that the GOP is a death cult.
Thank you. The clarity from YLE has been immensely helpful in my clinical practice. I have so many patients wanting information and you have helped me develop a calm(er) response! Im still amazed that people will trust us to prescribe antibiotics, surgeries, & life saving care, but question our efforts and science for prevention.
Thank you for the succinct overview. The path forward is very clear. Heavy messaging targeting pregnant women and their doctors about the benefits of the Hepatitis series beginning at birth. Begin messaging at prenatal visits. Emphasize the inconvenience of testing and delay (more visits and more sticks.) Manufacturers and professional associations lobby state governments to ensure Medicaid coverage based on known financial program savings down the line. Manufacturers create a vaccine access fund to cover those without insurance coverage, made available with a single form from the provider. Also, build support for routine hepatitis testing during pregnancy. As a screening tool for evaluating additional risk it has added value.
The people who are truly opposed to the hepatitis vaccinations are largely already refusing them or giving birth in settings where the vaccine is unlikely to be offered. There is little that can be done about those folks anyway. The problem is low information parents who are now at risk. That can be addressed. The relevant industries know how to create demand for a vaccine and increase uptake (the model I am thinking of is HPV vaccine.) Promoting the vaccine as if it were new can have the effect of 1) raising awareness where it was preciously low, 2) reinforcing trust and communication between patients and providers when a patient asks for the vaccine and 3) providing a way for new parents to feel like they have agency in protecting their newborn at a time when many parents feel helpless and overwhelmed.
Make lemonade!
Thank you! You are literally saving lives.
I add my thanks here to the long litany of thanks and praise commenters have already offered to you and everyone who stepped up here. One of many remarkable things you do is, while at the same time as explaining the horrors clearly, you inspire hope, and in particular the hope that if we each do what we can to push back against bad science, together, we can make a difference.🙏👏🙏
I’m not a scientist, medical provider or parent. But I am deeply concerned about this. How can I influence future decisions?
You are a blessing!