U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisory committee endorsed fall flu vaccinations Thursday for just about every American but with a twist: The group says people should only be given shots free of an ingredient antivaccine groups have falsely tied to autism. The seven-member panel, which includes vaccine skeptics, replaced the previous 17-member group earlier this month. Public health officials are worried that ideological decisions could make vaccines less accessible and more expensive for millions of Americans.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisory panel plans to revisit long-settled questions about childhood vaccines. On Wednesday, the new committee announced it would be looking into the childhood vaccine schedule and into specific shots like the hepatitis B and MMR-chickenpox combination. Pediatricians and scientists are expressing alarm. The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the committee, calling its process "no longer credible." The panel also discussed COVID-19 vaccines and shots that protect infants from RSV.

The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in about 15 years. One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor's office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. According to data posted Friday, that level last week was higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010. So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been 13,000 flu deaths — including at least 57 children. The flu has forced schools to shut down in some states. One Texas district closed for three days because 650 students and 60 staff were out one day last week.