Michigan Shifts Away From Vaccine Guidance Set by Kennedy Appointees

Michigan is changing its approach to vaccine recommendations, with the state's chief medical executive advising healthcare providers to adhere to the schedules set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). This marks a departure from relying on guidance from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the change, noting the state had previously used the ACIP for its vaccine advice. The shift comes after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all 17 members of the ACIP in June. Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccines, stated a "clean sweep" was necessary to restore public confidence in vaccine science, in a Wall Street Journal column.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, explained that public health experts nationwide do not uniformly agree with the federal panel's recent vaccine recommendations. She emphasized her duty to protect and promote public health, stating the AAP and AAFP vaccine schedules are well-supported by evidence and rigorous review. Bagdasarian believes this recommendation will improve vaccine accessibility and availability throughout Michigan.

The state health department specifically highlighted the recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The ACIP, under Kennedy's leadership, had recently voted to discontinue the longstanding recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, according to the Associated Press.

Dr. Bashar Yalldo, president of the Michigan chapter of the Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP), affirmed that routine childhood immunizations, including the hepatitis B birth dose, are backed by decades of data and a strong safety record. The MAFP urges parents to seek evidence-based medical advice and consult with their family physicians about protecting their newborns, families, and communities, Yalldo stated.

Michigan joins over a dozen other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, and California, in referencing immunization schedules from the AAP and other national medical organizations, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Clinical leaders from Corewell Health Children's, Mott Children's Hospital, the Henry Ford Health System, Munson Health, and other healthcare providers have voiced their support for Bagdasarian's recommendation. They said following the AAP's schedule will allow Michigan providers to confidently administer safe and effective vaccines.