Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 19: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an expert panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has recommended changes to the use of the MMRV vaccine — a combined shot for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).

By a vote of 8-3, the panel suggested that the vaccine should not be recommended for children under 4 years, citing a small risk of febrile seizures linked to fevers following vaccination. Though brief and generally harmless, these seizures are distressing for parents, doctors noted.

The CDC had earlier advised that younger children could instead take the varicella vaccine separately, a practice already followed by nearly 85% of parents, according to new data. The combination vaccine was originally developed to reduce the number of injections for toddlers and improve compliance.

The revised recommendation does not affect the standard immunization schedule: children are still advised to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine — at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years. Varicella doses can also be administered during the same visits. Importantly, no elevated seizure risk has been seen in older children receiving the MMRV.

The committee’s advice is not binding. The final decision rests with Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill, who was appointed last month. The US Department of Health and Human Services has said it will review insurance implications before a formal ruling.

Health experts have, however, voiced concern over the timing and intent of the panel’s deliberations, given recent changes within the advisory body.