WASHINGTON, D.C.,February 26,2024 – U.S. childhood vaccination guidelines have undergone a significant shift, reducing the number of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 17 to 11.
Fewer Mandates, More Choice: CDC Updates Childhood Vaccine Schedule
The revised recommendations prioritize core vaccines while opening the door for more individualized decisions about others.
- The CDC now recommends all children receive vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).
- Vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningococcal diseases are now recommended based on individual risk factors.
- Decisions regarding Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus vaccines will be made between parents and their doctors.
- The changes are based on a review showing the U.S. was an outlier in vaccine schedules compared to other developed nations.
The CDC announced the updated schedule on Monday, stating that vaccines will be recommended based on a child’s specific risk factors and through “shared clinical decision-making” between healthcare providers and parents, according to the declaration.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. stated the overhaul came “after an exhaustive review” and is intended to “protect children, respect families, and rebuild trust in public health.” He added, “We are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening clarity and informed consent.”
The changes follow a December suggestion from a CDC panel to delay the frist dose of the hepatitis B vaccine from within 24 hours of birth to two months, if the mother tests negative for the virus. That earlier recommendation also drew criticism from pediatricians.
Pediatricians Voice Concerns
the American Academy of pediatrics (AAP) strongly criticized the new recommendations, describing them as “dangerous and unnecessary.” The AAP expressed concerns that the revised schedule could leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The CDC’s updated recommendations include vaccines for measles,mumps,rubella,polio,pertussis,tetanus,diphtheria,haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib),pneumococcal disease,human papillomavirus (HPV),and varicella (chickenpox).the first three are frequently enough administered as a combined vaccine.
A second category of vaccines is recommended based on risk factors, including those for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B, which protect against meningitis.
For Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus, the decision to vaccinate will be left to parents and their doctors.
Currently, insurance will continue to cover vaccines still recommended through the end of 2025.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
