CDC vaccine schedule: CDC updates childhood vaccine schedule: 5 Key things parents need to know
Five Things Parents Need to Know About the New Childhood Immunization Program
Fewer Vaccines Are Now Universally Recommended
The latest guidelines no longer universally recommend that children receive vaccines against rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningitis (meningococcal disease), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID and influenza. This will reduce the number of recommended vaccines for children from 18 diseases in 2024 to 11 with immediate effect.
Updates Approved Without Independent Review
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long advocated for fewer vaccines, said the changes came after a “thorough review of the evidence” and are consistent with guidelines in other high-income countries. “This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.” But critics note that there has been no independent review of the updates.
Vaccines Are Now Classified According to Risk
The CDC now divides childhood vaccines into three categories:
- Vaccines that are universally recommended for all children,
- Vaccines for children at risk,
- Vaccinations will be discussed in consultation with a pediatrician.
In this system, rotavirus and flu vaccines are currently only recommended if recommended by a doctor. Currently universally recommended vaccines are measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (varicella) vaccines.
Medical Experts Warn Against Risks
Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the schedule changes as “dangerous and unnecessary.” Pediatrician and AAP spokesperson Dr. “Whether or not parents opt for vaccines, children still need well visits. In the absence of vaccines, children will actually miss out on other important screening aspects of well visits if their parents do not opt for vaccines,” Molly O’Shea told ABC News. The Infectious Diseases Society of America also opposed these changes, saying they would “put families and communities at risk and make America sicker.” IDSA President Dr. Ronald G. Nahass also said: “Disease prevalence varies from country to country, and there is a demonstrated and ongoing need for vaccines in the childhood immunization schedule in the United States. Most other high-income countries have universal health care and parental leave, both of which can support prevention and early care and contribute to reducing disease prevalence.”
The American Lung Association has expressed concern about reducing the universal flu vaccine recommendation, citing record-breaking flu cases and record-high pediatric flu deaths last season. “The Lung Association continues to encourage everyone over six months of age to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to protect children from serious illness, hospitalization and death.”
Pediatricians remain a Trusted Source
Medical experts urge parents to continue consulting with their child’s pediatrician about vaccinations. The CDC emphasizes that the revised guidance is a recommendation, not a mandate, and that parents can still opt for previously recommended vaccines. Health insurance coverage for vaccinations will not be affected.
Dr. O’Shea emphasized: “Your pediatrician is really your trusted source of information, and we have nothing to gain from the way things are going here. Vaccines are certainly not a way for us to make money. But [a] “The pediatrician’s goal is to collaborate with parents to make the right decision for your child, so bringing your concerns and questions to your pediatrician is the best way to receive quality information.”
FAQ;
Q1: What is the new CDC vaccine schedule?
The CDC updated its childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines. Some vaccines are currently only given to high-risk children or are decided upon in conjunction with a doctor.
Q2: Which vaccines are no longer automatically recommended?
Rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, RSV, COVID and influenza are now among the selectively recommended vaccines. Parents should consult their pediatrician.
