Health
HHS considers altering CDC vaccine recommendation categories
A Request for Information solicits public feedback on potential new designations for federal immunization guidance.
The short version
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a 10-page Request for Information seeking public input on potential changes to CDC vaccine recommendation categories.
- Proposed concepts include introducing labels such as "recommended with qualification" or expanding the use of "shared clinical decision-making."
- No formal rule changes or new vaccine recommendations have been enacted, and public comments are open through September 20.
Key facts
- The Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a 10-page Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register regarding CDC vaccine recommendation categories.[Ars Technica]
- The public comment deadline for the RFI is September 20.[Ars Technica]
- Current CDC vaccine guidance informed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices falls into three categories: routine (universal), risk-based, and shared clinical decision-making.[Ars Technica]
- No formal rules or official policy changes regarding vaccine categories have been implemented yet.[Ars Technica]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether HHS will propose or enact formal administrative rule changes following the conclusion of the public comment period.[Ars Technica]