COVID MMRV Hepatitis B Vaccines After RFK Jr. Claims
- * A group of major health insurers (CVS/Aetna, Elevance Health, Humana, kaiser permanente, Molina, and Cigna) will cover the cost of the updated COVID-19 shot for most Americans.
- * The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) no longer recommends the combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox) as the first dose for children under...
- * Currently, about 85% of children already receive the MMR and chickenpox vaccines separately for their first dose.
Here’s a breakdown of the key data from the provided CNBC article:
1. COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage:
* A group of major health insurers (CVS/Aetna, Elevance Health, Humana, kaiser permanente, Molina, and Cigna) will cover the cost of the updated COVID-19 shot for most Americans.
* However, coverage isn’t worldwide. UnitedHealthcare, the largest private insurer, is not part of this group, so patients should check with their specific plan.
2.MMRV Vaccine Suggestion Changes (for young children):
* The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) no longer recommends the combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox) as the first dose for children under 4 years old.
* Instead, ACIP recommends young children receive seperate vaccines for chickenpox and for measles, mumps, and rubella.
* The CDC still recommends two doses of measles-containing vaccine, starting at 12-15 months and a second at 4-6 years.
* Children over 4 can still receive the MMRV vaccine as their second dose.
* The change is due to a slightly increased risk of febrile seizures (seizures with fever) after the first dose of MMRV in young children. Experts note thes seizures can be caused by any fever-inducing illness.
3. Current Vaccination practices & Expert Opinions:
* Currently, about 85% of children already receive the MMR and chickenpox vaccines separately for their first dose. only 15% get the MMRV combination.
* Some experts (like Dr. Blumberg) are disappointed by the change, as it limits parental choice.
* Others (like Johns Hopkins’ Adalja) believe the vote is largely symbolic, as most families were already opting for separate vaccines. They also suggest the ACIP vote could inadvertently fuel anti-vaccine sentiment.
4. Donald Trump’s Statement:
* Former President Donald Trump suggested separating the MMR vaccine into three individual shots, expressing concern about potential problems when the vaccines are combined.
* The article notes the MMR shot has a long-established safety and effectiveness record.