michigan Defies CDC, Recommends Full Childhood Vaccination Schedule
Michigan health officials are urging families to adhere to established immunization guidelines from leading pediatric organizations, despite recent changes to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is actively countering a recent shift in guidance from the CDC regarding the childhood vaccination schedule. In a move to ensure continued protection for Michigan families, MDHHS and the state’s top medical leaders are recommending adherence to the full immunization schedules established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
the CDC recently updated its recommended immunization schedule for children, moving away from universal recommendations for several key vaccines, including RSV, influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis, and meningococcal diseases.The updated schedule still includes vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, HPV, and chickenpox. Though, the updated guidelines no longer include universal recommendations for vaccines against RSV, influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis, and meningococcal diseases.
This divergence from established practices has raised concerns among Michigan health leaders. Both the AAP and AAFP schedules maintain universal recommendations for all of these vaccines, offering a broader scope of protection for children.
“This is being done in a completely novel way,” stated Dr.Bagdasarian.”Where the vaccine schedule has been changed without presenting any data, without presenting any sort of reasoning behind these changes, and I do fear that this will further undermine trust in vaccines. Right now, we’re already seeing a lot of distrust in government, and I think that decisions like this will only make that issue worse.”
The change in CDC guidance is creating confusion not only for parents and caregivers but also for healthcare providers,who now face a disconnect between federal recommendations and the consensus of national scientific bodies. This situation places clinicians in a difficult position, navigating conflicting advice.
The timing of this shift is especially concerning, as Michigan, like much of the nation, is experiencing a surge in influenza cases. “We’re seeing our emergency departments and our ICUs being filled up with patients with influenza this season,” dr. Bagdasarian noted. “Already, across the country, eight children have died from influenza-related complications. Advising people that the influenza vaccine is optional or not universally recommended, especially in a year like this, is really troubling.”
MDHHS issued a formal statement on Thursday, december 18, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based vaccination practices. The statement affirmed that “for decades, vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and critically important reductions in childhood illnesses and fatalities.” Dr. Bagdasarian issued a Standing Suggestion advising healthcare providers and families to follow the AAP or AAFP immunization schedules.
The underlying scientific evidence supporting the full AAP and AAFP vaccination schedules remains unchanged,ensuring continued protection against serious diseases. Families can still access the full range of recommended childhood immunizations.
Importantly, all vaccines – including those now subject to shared clinical decision-making – remain fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs for individuals with insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act, as well as those covered by Medicaid and the Vaccines for Children program, according to a statement from the department of Health and Human Services.
Dr.Bagdasarian also cautioned that the changes could create confusion regarding school vaccine requirements, clinical workflows, and the availability of combination vaccines. “MDHHS will continue to provide clear guidance, backed by science, to help protect Michigan families,” she added.
Dr. Braden Engstrom,a pediatrician with the University of Michigan Health-West,echoed these concerns,stating he will also recommend adherence to the AAP and AAFP guidelines.
“My fear is that it’s going to cause more parents to be more skeptical about vaccines, more hesitant, and miss the appropriate windows where we need to get the kids vaccinated to give them that lifelong protection,” Dr. Engstrom explained. He acknowledged an existing trend of vaccine skepticism among some parents but emphasized the importance of open communication.
“If you’re unsure about these changes… talk to your child’s pediatrician,” Dr. Engstrom advised. “We all want your child to be healthy, prosperous, and do all the things they want to do in life. That’s why we get into pediatrics,to help kids grow up. We’re all on the same team with parents.”
