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CDC Votes to Separate MMR and Varicella Vaccines Amid Safety Concerns

9/23/2025

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Summary

CDC Vaccine Changes

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to separate MMR and varicella vaccines for children under age 4.
Cites a higher febrile seizure risk with MMRV.
About 85% prefer separate vaccines.
Hepatitis B vaccine postponed due to discrepancies with the Vaccines for Children program; critics including West Coast Health Alliance say ACIP did not follow standard methods.

Summary

Texas Measles Surge

Measles outbreaks are resurging in Canada and U.S.; Texas reports over 750 cases in 2025 linked to declining vaccination rates.
Texas kindergarten vaccination coverage fell from 98.5% (2013-14) to 94.3% (2024-25), Gaines County drop.
The 1998 Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) autism study fueled vaccine hesitancy and worsened outbreaks; Annenberg study finds 70% of U.S. parents support mandatory MMR vaccination for public schools.

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CDC Vaccine Changes

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8-3 to separate MMR and varicella vaccines for children under age 4.
Cites a higher febrile seizure risk with MMRV.
About 85% prefer separate vaccines.
Hepatitis B vaccine postponed due to discrepancies with the Vaccines for Children program; critics including West Coast Health Alliance say ACIP did not follow standard methods.

1 / 2