CDC advisers vote to add new COVID vaccines rules that could discourage uptake

"A panel of vaccine advisers to the federal government debated several changes to COVID-19 vaccine access in a chaotic meeting Friday, marked by confusion over processes, technical difficulties and passionate disagreement among members and other experts in attendance. Ultimately, the committee backed away from its most controversial proposal that called for states to require those who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get a prescription."

"The committee voted to recommend vaccination for adults 65 and older and younger people subject to a process called shared decision making. Their recommendations would not prohibit anyone over six months from getting the shot, but they do call for patients to speak with a clinician about the risks and benefits. For people 64 and younger the conversation should emphasize that benefits are greatest for people with the most risk of serious disease and lowest for people without increased risk."

"The advisers also voted that the CDC should add information about the possible risks and uncertainties related to COVID vaccine effectiveness to information sheets about the shots. Many of the risks were speculative or already known to be unfounded. While the CDC generally adopts the recommendations of the panel, the votes are not final until acting CDC director Jim O'Neill signs off on them."

Federal vaccine advisers debated changes to COVID-19 vaccine access amid confusion, technical difficulties and heated disagreement. The committee rescinded a proposal that would have required prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccines. The panel recommended vaccination for adults 65 and older and endorsed shared decision-making for younger people, urging clinician-patient conversations about risks and benefits. Recommendations would not prevent anyone over six months from receiving the vaccine. Advisers asked the CDC to add information on possible risks and uncertainties about vaccine effectiveness to patient information sheets. Clinicians raised concerns that expert input was sidelined and that established recommendation processes were broken.

Read at www.npr.org