Last week the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended expanding RSV vaccinations to adults aged 50–59 with underlying health conditions and endorsed a new combination meningococcal vaccine for teens.
Normally, this ACIP recommendation would be translated into policy when (if) the CDC adopts the recommendation. Not this time. Acting CDC Director Susan Monarez has recused herself because of “legal limitations” pending her Senate confirmation… meaning the CDC Chief of Staff – Matthew Buzzelli (a former federal prosecutor with zero medical or public health training) will decide whether to adopt the ACIP recommendations.
Health insurance coverage for vaccines typically follows CDC recommendations. Under the Affordable Care Act private insurance plans must cover new vaccine recommendations in the next plan year.
Until the CDC officially adopts ACIP’s recommendations, coverage for both these vaccines will remain as is. Buzzelli may very well not decide at all or veto the ACIP’s recommendation.