Advisory panel restricts combined vaccine for children under four

A US advisory panel voted against recommending the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccine for children under four. This decision could impact routine childhood immunizations. The panel, with many new members appointed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also appeared inclined to restrict the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Experts expressed concern that these changes could increase disease risks. The vote on the combined vaccine was 8-3, and the panel also voted to continue covering it for children under four, causing confusion. Experts worry that restricting vaccine access could lead to the resurgence of preventable diseases.