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RFK Jr.'s Advisers Back Merck's RSV Shot for Newborns
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisory committee recommended Merck & Co. 's shot to prevent newborns from getting RSV, alleviating some concerns that the new Department of Health and Human Services secretary's longstanding criticism of immunizations would interfere with its rollout.
Members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted five to two in favor of Enflonsia, a one-time shot that protects against a virus that's the most common cause of hospitalization in infants. The ACIP's sign-off, delivered at a closely watched meeting Thursday, all but ensures Merck's shot will be added to the government's list of recommended childhood immunizations and receive wide insurance coverage.
