CDC Announces Major Changes to Childhood Vaccine Schedule Under Trump Administration
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced significant changes to the pediatric vaccine schedule just weeks into the new year, leaving many health experts questioning the decision. The updated schedule reduces the number of routine vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11, a drastic decrease that could lead to reduced access to vital protection against serious diseases.
The change also introduces a new tier of vaccines, including those for COVID-19, flu, and rotavirus, which will be subject to "shared clinical decision-making" with healthcare providers. This means that parents or children may need to have an in-person consultation with their doctor before receiving certain vaccinations, adding another layer of complexity to what was already a fractured US public health consensus.
Critics argue that the decision is based on flawed reasoning and disregards evidence-based best practices established by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The change came without any public input or involvement from the ACIP, which had been purged last year following the appointment of anti-vaccine advocates to its new panel.
Experts point out that Denmark, a country often cited as an inspiration for the updated schedule, recommends fewer vaccines than the US but does so due to its smaller size and more comprehensive healthcare system. The US approach is seen as misguided and potentially counterproductive.
The move has sparked widespread concern among pediatricians, public health officials, and advocacy groups, who warn that it could lead to reduced vaccination rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced significant changes to the pediatric vaccine schedule just weeks into the new year, leaving many health experts questioning the decision. The updated schedule reduces the number of routine vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11, a drastic decrease that could lead to reduced access to vital protection against serious diseases.
The change also introduces a new tier of vaccines, including those for COVID-19, flu, and rotavirus, which will be subject to "shared clinical decision-making" with healthcare providers. This means that parents or children may need to have an in-person consultation with their doctor before receiving certain vaccinations, adding another layer of complexity to what was already a fractured US public health consensus.
Critics argue that the decision is based on flawed reasoning and disregards evidence-based best practices established by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The change came without any public input or involvement from the ACIP, which had been purged last year following the appointment of anti-vaccine advocates to its new panel.
Experts point out that Denmark, a country often cited as an inspiration for the updated schedule, recommends fewer vaccines than the US but does so due to its smaller size and more comprehensive healthcare system. The US approach is seen as misguided and potentially counterproductive.
The move has sparked widespread concern among pediatricians, public health officials, and advocacy groups, who warn that it could lead to reduced vaccination rates and increased outbreaks of preventable diseases.
...it feels like we're taking a step backwards in protecting our kids' health. I mean, what's next? Going back to unvaccinated schools? 
This decision is all about politics and listening to special interests rather than science and evidence-based medicine.
, and I hope public health officials are taking this very seriously. We need to do better than this.
what's going on with the vaccine schedule? like i know it sounds important but why do we need more meetings with doctors before getting vaccinated lol? don't get me wrong, i love my doc as much as the next person, but can't we just stick to the tried and true way of doing things? 
this whole shared clinical decision-making thing has me a bit worried. are they sure it's safe for kids? 
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. They're a small country with a specific healthcare system – it doesn't mean we should follow suit without considering our own unique needs and circumstances 
or is it just a case of convenience and bureaucratic red tape? I guess we should be asking ourselves: what does 'shared clinical decision-making' even mean in practice? Is it just a fancy way of saying "let's make it harder for parents to get their kids vaccinated"? 
. Now we're seeing a possible domino effect here - reduced vaccination rates could lead to more outbreaks. It's a bit concerning, don't you think?