The Vaccine Intelligence Report—brought to you by Vaccinate Your Family—provides clear, fact-based updates on vaccine policy, research, and public health each week. This report is part of Viral Truths, a resource designed to cut through the noise, offering concise information to help navigate the evolving immunization landscape.
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
- The White House has delayed nominating a CDC Director, leaving current leadership in place with limited authority under federal rules
- New proposals and legal pressures could expand how vaccine-related injuries are tracked and compensated through federal programs, raising concerns about advancing changes without clear scientific consensus
- Lawmakers and courts in Connecticut and West Virginia are weighing religious exemptions in immunization policy, with potential implications for school requirements
- At the same time, several states—including Colorado, New York, and Vermont—are advancing policies that seek to protect evidence-based vaccine policy and broader vaccine access
- While Covid activity remains stable overall, a highly mutated new variant is emerging and could drive a surge in summer cases
- CDC report shows childhood vaccination rates are declining across several diseases, raising concerns about near- and long-term impacts of vaccine-preventable illness
- As seasonal respiratory illnesses decline, measles cases continue to rise nationwide, with outbreaks in Utah and other states driving recent increases
NEED TO KNOW
White House Delays CDC Director Nomination; Bhattacharya to Continue Overseeing Agency
- The White House has indefinitely delayed its nomination of a new Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meaning that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya—who also serves as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—will continue to oversee the agency.
- Bhattacharya has served as Acting CDC Director since previous Acting Director Jim O’Neill was removed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in February. O’Neill was put in place after Kennedy fired former Director Dr. Susan Monarez in August—just one month after she was confirmed by the Senate.
- Under federal law, an acting official can only serve in place of a Senate-confirmed official for 210 days. This window expired last week (Mar. 25), meaning while Bhattacharya can still perform certain delegable duties, he is no longer Acting Director, and other non-delegable duties may only be performed by the HHS Secretary.
- For example, only the CDC Director/Acting Director or HHS Secretary can adopt immunization recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to make them official government policy.
- The delay may reflect the administration’s challenges in aligning internally on a new Director nominee and in finding someone who can be confirmed by the Senate. HHS officials told reporters that “everyone likes a different person.”
- Senate members have proven unwilling to confirm other administration nominees, including Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, MD who does not have the necessary Republican support.
Push to Broaden Vaccine Injury Definitions Gains Traction, Despite Limited Evidence & Lack of Scientific Consensus
- Multiple federal-level efforts to expand how vaccine-related injuries are defined, tracked, and compensated have gained traction over the past several weeks.
- On March 17-18, CDC officials met to consider a proposal to create a new International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnostic code specifically for Covid vaccine-related adverse events, which would allow providers to formally document and track these cases in medical records.
- The proposal, organized by React19—a nonprofit representing individuals who report experiencing health issues following Covid vaccination—is open through May 15 for public comment and could take effect as early as 2027, if finalized.
- While improved tracking can support research and patient care, some experts caution that many of the symptoms classified by the proposal as “post-vaccination syndrome” are not clearly defined or consistently linked to vaccination, raising concerns about formalizing a diagnosis before a clear scientific consensus has been reached.
- At the same time, the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN)—an anti-vaccine advocacy group with close ties to Kennedy—has petitioned the federal government to add more than 300 conditions to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) Vaccine Injury Table, and has issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue if the agency does not act.
- According to experts, the petition relies on evidence of correlation rather than established causation, which is a departure from the scientific and legal standards used to determine which conditions are included in the program.
- VICP is a federal program that offers a streamlined path to compensation for individuals who experience injuries after vaccination—lowering the burden of proof for claimants and making it easier for these individuals to receive compensation compared to civil court.
- Some analysts warn that expanding the Vaccine Injury Table without strong evidence risks bankrupting the program, creating legal uncertainty, and undermining confidence in vaccine safety oversight.
- These developments are the latest in a broader effort spearheaded by Kennedy and allied groups to expand how vaccine injuries are defined—often advancing claims that extend beyond established scientific consensus.
STATE POLICY SPOTLIGHT
Courts and Lawmakers in Connecticut, West Virginia Weigh Religious Exemptions in Vaccine Policy
- Connecticut lawmakers are considering legislation as legal challenges continue over the state’s 2021 repeal of religious exemptions for school vaccines.
- The lawsuit—brought by several families—argues the repeal violates religious freedom protections under the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act after surviving a dismissal attempt.
- The bill being considered (SB 450) would clarify that the state’s religious freedom law does not apply to school immunization requirements. Supporters say this would reinforce existing vaccine policy, while critics argue the move could influence or undermine the pending case by removing the legal basis for the challenge.
- In West Virginia, state education officials are appealing a lower court ruling that would allow religious exemptions to school vaccine requirements.
Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Vermont Advance Bills to Preserve Evidence-Based Vaccine Policy
- In Colorado, the governor signed into law a bill (SB 26-032) that allows the state’s Board of Health to use “science-backed vaccine guidelines” from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Physicians (ACP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in addition to ACIP and the CDC. The bill also codifies pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines.
- A bill in Minnesota (SF 3439) that would revoke the state’s ‘conscientiously held beliefs’ exemption for school-entry requirements for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is under consideration by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
- Lawmakers in New York introduced two bills (A 10710 and A 10711) that aim to protect vaccine access.
- The first would require health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the state’s Commissioner of Health, based on guidance from nationally recognized scientific organizations—including the AAP, AAFP, and ACOG—in addition to those recommended by ACIP.
- The second bill would remove references to ACIP from state laws governing school immunization requirements, Medicaid vaccine coverage, and vaccines that physicians and nurse practitioners are authorized to prescribe.
- Vermont’s governor signed into law a bill (H 545) that authorizes the state’s health commissioner to issue immunization recommendations and allows the state to purchase immunizations from the CDC or other vendors.
SHARE YOUR VACCINE STORY
Have you faced challenges when trying to get a vaccine, or have recent policy changes left you unsure about which vaccines you should get?
- Getting the vaccines you need shouldn’t be complicated—but sometimes it is. Have you ever had trouble getting a vaccine? Maybe you couldn’t find it, weren’t sure if you needed a prescription, didn’t know if it was recommended for you, or had problems with insurance. We want to hear your story.
OUTBREAK OUTLOOK
Covid Activity Remains Low as New Variant Emerges; Study Highlights Benefits of Maternal Vaccination
- Covid activity is low and hospitalizations continue to decline, but a new variant could drive an increase in cases.
- Variant BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” is a highly mutated version of the virus that has been reported in 23 countries. Cicada currently makes up a small share of cases in the U.S. but has been identified in at least 25 states and in some countries, accounts for up to 30% of cases—raising concerns about a potential summer surge.
- Some scientists caution that Cicada’s mutations may reduce how well current vaccines prevent infection, while emphasizing that vaccines continue to be the best way to protect against severe illness.
- Separately, new research published earlier this month (Mar. 20) confirms that vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing maternal antibodies on to the baby, reducing the risk of infection in the first months of life when babies are too young to be vaccinated.
- This is a key finding given that among children, infants under 6 months have the highest Covid hospitalization rates.
Childhood Vaccination Rates Are Falling, Raising Concerns About Preventable Diseases
- Despite strong evidence showing that the benefits of childhood vaccines, pediatric vaccination rates for several vaccines have been declining, according to the CDC’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
- The survey—published last week (Mar. 26)—found that vaccine coverage among children born during 2021-2022 has decreased across five vaccines: influenza (flu), hepatitis B, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
- For MMR vaccination, the report shows that coverage remains relatively stable at the national level, but varies widely by state and jurisdiction.
- In many areas, coverage falls below the ~95% threshold needed to maintain community protection and prevent outbreaks (see map below), explaining the resurgence of measles seen in recent years.
- As vaccine coverage stalls and declines, public health experts continue to raise concerns about the return of vaccine-preventable diseases—as seen with recent measles outbreaks and high rates of pediatric flu deaths.
- Most recently, medical experts and clinicians have raised concerns about emerging signals that Hib—a now-rare but potentially deadly childhood illness—could reappear as vaccination rates fall.
- Hib is a bacterial infection that can cause severe complications, including brain damage and even death, particularly in young children.
- Serious cases have been reported in multiple states across the country. In the past six months in Florida, one child has died from Hib and another has been left brain dead, underscoring the severity of the disease.
- The full scope of the risk remains unclear—while federal data do not show a clear increase in Hib cases, experts warn that gaps in surveillance and reporting are likely limiting visibility into emerging patterns.
- Separately, with rates of vaccination falling, researchers have been examining the longer-term impacts of infections and severe illness.
- A recent study found that severe infections are associated with an increased risk of dementia, while previous research demonstrated that vaccinations are associated with a reduced risk or delayed onset of dementia—highlighting the critical role vaccines play in preventing serious illness that could contribute to later-life health risks.
Utah Outbreak Leads U.S. in New Measles Cases; Flu and Other Respiratory Illness Activity Continues to Decline
- As of March 27, the U.S. has reported 1,654 measles cases in 2026.
- Utah has emerged as a primary hotspot, reporting 289 cases so far this year as a long-running outbreak accelerated over the past month following a high school wrestling tournament that researchers believe may have been a super-spreader event.
- Cases have risen sharply in recent weeks, with 41 hospitalizations reported to date, and roughly two-thirds of infections occurring in children.
- Michigan’s measles case count has increased to seven as the outbreak seems to expand; all seven cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
- Texas has reached 170 cases, as an outbreak that started in a federal detention facility has continued to spread across the broader community.
- Cases have been confirmed in 32 jurisdictions this year, including in Arizona (71), Colorado (13), Florida (143), New Mexico (16), Oregon (10), and Washington (29).
- Utah has emerged as a primary hotspot, reporting 289 cases so far this year as a long-running outbreak accelerated over the past month following a high school wrestling tournament that researchers believe may have been a super-spreader event.
- Flu activity continues to decrease in most areas of the country, with only 4 states reporting high activity, down from 9 last week.
- 8 new pediatric flu deaths were reported this last week, bringing the total number of children who have died from the flu this season to 123.
- States reporting pediatric flu deaths include California and Mississippi (the state’s first this season).
- 8 new pediatric flu deaths were reported this last week, bringing the total number of children who have died from the flu this season to 123.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is elevated but has peaked in many regions of the country, with the exception of North Dakota, where models show infections growing.
- More broadly, national respiratory illness activity is low.
REALITY CHECK
These fact checks respond to several recent claims made by different groups and individuals.
CLAIM: Covid vaccines pose significant risks to heart health, including myocarditis, heart attacks, and even death.
- REALITY: Evidence continues to show that Covid vaccines are safe, and that Covid infection itself poses a much greater risk to heart health. Research has consistently found that infection is associated with serious cardiovascular complications, while vaccination helps reduce the risk of both immediate and longer-term harm.
- A new study analyzing data from more than 100,000 people from 2020 to 2022 found that Covid infection was associated with a nearly fivefold increase in heart attack risk within 90 days of exposure. By contrast, receipt of any Covid vaccine dose was not significantly associated with heart attacks.
- Covid infection has also been linked to elevated cardiovascular risk after the acute illness, as well as worse long-term health outcomes and higher mortality rates.
- A separate study of 6.4 million healthy people ages 12-50 years, with no documented underlying conditions, found that Covid vaccines do not increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Further, vaccinated individuals were 43% less likely to experience sudden death than those who were unvaccinated.
- While a small increased risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) was identified early in the rollout of mRNA Covid vaccines—primarily among boys and young men—subsequent safety monitoring has not found an association between myocarditis and the updated Covid vaccines used in recent years, including the 2022–2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025 formulations.
- These findings reinforce that vaccination plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with Covid infection. Major medical organizations, including the AAP, ACOG, AAFP, and American College of Cardiology (ACC), recommend Covid vaccination.
WHAT TO WATCH
ACIP Charter Requires Renewal Amid Committee Turmoil (Apr. 1)
- The ACIP charter, which defines the committee’s structure and role in advising the CDC on vaccine use and immunization schedules, expires today (Apr. 1). Federal advisory committee charters must be renewed every two years.
- The ACIP Secretariat is responsible for the renewal, and any changes to the charter are subject to review and approval by the HHS Secretary.
- ACIP has experienced significant turmoil over the last year, including the dismissal of 17 members in June 2025, the committee’s subsequent reconstitution, and the recent court-ordered stay of the new appointments.
- Adding to the debate, the anti-vaccine advocacy group ICAN has urged HHS to revise the charter to broaden eligibility criteria for members and liaisons, potentially shifting representation away from traditional vaccine and public health experts.
Mixed Signals Emerge on Surgeon General Pick as Senate Questions Grow
- President Trump signaled uncertainty about Casey Means’ nomination for Surgeon General, declining to rule out selecting a new candidate and suggesting the White House is considering other options.
- However, on Monday (Mar. 30), the White House reaffirmed its support for Means. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the wellness influencer, urging the Senate to confirm her “without further delay.”
- Republican members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), including Sens. Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Susan Collins (ME), have raised issues with Means’ views on vaccines and her use of psychedelics, which were central points of contention during her hearing.
- The nomination has become politically charged, with MAHA-aligned allies pressuring Republicans to advance her confirmation, including HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who has not been publicly supportive of Means.
- President Trump’s first Surgeon General Jerome Adams has pushed back against Means’ nomination, arguing that she is not qualified to serve as the nation’s top doctor, given she is not practicing and does not have a current medical license.
WHO TAG-CO-VAC to Evaluate Covid Vaccine Composition Ahead of May Meeting
- The World Health Organization (WHO)’s Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) is set to meet in May to review emerging variants and determine whether vaccine targets should be updated.
- The group will assess data on how the virus is evolving and the “durability of immune responses elicited by currently authorized vaccines, as well as vaccine candidates in development.”
- The outcome of the meeting will help inform future vaccine formulations and manufacturing decisions ahead of upcoming respiratory seasons.
Third-Party Organization Intends to File Appeal in AAP Vaccine Policy Lawsuit Against HHS
- Children’s Health Defense (CHD)—the anti-vaccine advocacy group founded by Kennedy—filed a notice of appeal in the AAP’s lawsuit against HHS over federal vaccine policy changes.
- The case centers on allegations that HHS unlawfully altered vaccine recommendations and restructured the ACIP without following required procedures.
- In March, federal judge Brian Murphy granted plaintiffs a preliminary injunction, pausing several actions taken under Kennedy while litigation proceeds.
- CHD is appealing both the preliminary injunction and Murphy’s previous denial of the organization’s motion to intervene, signaling that the legal battle over federal vaccine policy may continue in higher courts.
- Notably, the defendants (i.e., the government) have not filed an appeal of the injunction.
Vaccinate Your Family is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting people of all ages from vaccine-preventable diseases. To learn more, visit us at: vaccinateyourfamily.org
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