CDC Backtracks on Childhood Vaccination Schedule, Amid Widespread Criticism from Medical Experts
The Trump administration has issued a significant shift in the country's childhood vaccination schedule, recommending just 11 immunizations for all U.S. children - down from the previous 17. The updated guidelines, which were directed by President Donald Trump, also suggest that certain vaccines, such as those against respiratory syncytial virus and dengue, should only be administered to high-risk groups.
Criticism from leading medical associations has been swift and sharp, with many experts labeling the changes as "dangerous" and "unnecessary." The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) described the decision as a "betrayal" of the scientific process, which involves careful review of new data and evidence to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The updated schedule still recommends essential shots against diseases such as measles, mumps, and flu, but it omits several critical vaccinations, including those for rotavirus, COVID-19, and influenza. Health officials will now rely on "shared clinical decision-making" between parents and doctors to determine whether or not to administer these vaccines.
The move has raised concerns about the potential risks to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children and those with weakened immune systems. Medical experts have warned that reducing the number of recommended vaccinations could lead to a resurgence in preventable diseases and undermine confidence in immunizations.
States typically follow CDC recommendations when setting vaccine requirements for school attendance, but it remains unclear how this updated schedule will be implemented. The decision has sparked a heated debate about the role of science in public health policy and the need for evidence-based guidelines that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
The Trump administration has issued a significant shift in the country's childhood vaccination schedule, recommending just 11 immunizations for all U.S. children - down from the previous 17. The updated guidelines, which were directed by President Donald Trump, also suggest that certain vaccines, such as those against respiratory syncytial virus and dengue, should only be administered to high-risk groups.
Criticism from leading medical associations has been swift and sharp, with many experts labeling the changes as "dangerous" and "unnecessary." The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) described the decision as a "betrayal" of the scientific process, which involves careful review of new data and evidence to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The updated schedule still recommends essential shots against diseases such as measles, mumps, and flu, but it omits several critical vaccinations, including those for rotavirus, COVID-19, and influenza. Health officials will now rely on "shared clinical decision-making" between parents and doctors to determine whether or not to administer these vaccines.
The move has raised concerns about the potential risks to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children and those with weakened immune systems. Medical experts have warned that reducing the number of recommended vaccinations could lead to a resurgence in preventable diseases and undermine confidence in immunizations.
States typically follow CDC recommendations when setting vaccine requirements for school attendance, but it remains unclear how this updated schedule will be implemented. The decision has sparked a heated debate about the role of science in public health policy and the need for evidence-based guidelines that prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
... reduced vaccination schedules are a recipe for disaster! I mean, we're talking about diseases that can be deadly to young kids and people with compromised immune systems. It's not worth taking that risk 
. I've seen firsthand how vaccines have saved lives in my family and community. This decision is just going to leave more people vulnerable 
. The medical experts are right on this one - we need evidence-based guidelines, not some backroom deal 
. How can we trust the CDC if they're not being transparent about their decisions? Transparency matters here! 
[A doctor is shown with a "lost" expression, surrounded by vaccine syringes and a red "X" over them]
The CDC just made some " Changes"... [The "Changes" text is written in Comic Sans, but the words are crossed out]
my grandma would've said no way, José! 
. The CDC's new guidelines seem super vague, especially with that "shared clinical decision-making" business 
. Like, how's a parent supposed to make an informed decision without actual scientific data? 
I mean, I get that we want to protect our kids from all these diseases, but I also think it's crazy to just reduce the number without thinking it through. 
The AAP is right, this feels like a betrayal of science. What if some parents don't know any better and end up not vaccinating their kids because they're worried about the side effects? 
Let's keep the current schedule or go even further to include all those other shots that are recommended now. Our kids deserve it! 