CDC slashes childhood vaccine schedule under anti-vaccine RFK Jr.
Federal health officials have made sweeping changes to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule, significantly reducing the number of diseases that children need to be protected against. The overhaul is in line with vaccine recommendations from high-income countries like Denmark, which has universal healthcare and a different approach to immunization.
The new federal guidelines recommend 11 core vaccinations for children: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping-cough), tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).
However, under the previous schedule, children were recommended to receive vaccinations against 17 diseases. The changes have been attributed to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate.
Critics argue that the new guidelines are misguided and will lead to an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children. Virologist James Alwine warned that "Kennedy's decision will harm and kill children."
In contrast, Kennedy claims the changes will protect children, respect families, and rebuild trust in public health. However, medical professionals disagree, stating that the new guidelines are arbitrary and lack scientific justification.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has also expressed concerns over the abrupt nature of the changes, criticizing them as "unilateral" and lacking transparency. Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reassured parents that all vaccines currently recommended by the CDC will remain covered by insurance without cost-sharing.
As a result of these changes, confusion and distrust may increase among American families, potentially leading to more children not being vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases. The US is already facing outbreaks of whooping-cough and measles, with its measles elimination status at risk of being lost this month.
Federal health officials have made sweeping changes to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule, significantly reducing the number of diseases that children need to be protected against. The overhaul is in line with vaccine recommendations from high-income countries like Denmark, which has universal healthcare and a different approach to immunization.
The new federal guidelines recommend 11 core vaccinations for children: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping-cough), tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella (chickenpox).
However, under the previous schedule, children were recommended to receive vaccinations against 17 diseases. The changes have been attributed to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate.
Critics argue that the new guidelines are misguided and will lead to an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children. Virologist James Alwine warned that "Kennedy's decision will harm and kill children."
In contrast, Kennedy claims the changes will protect children, respect families, and rebuild trust in public health. However, medical professionals disagree, stating that the new guidelines are arbitrary and lack scientific justification.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has also expressed concerns over the abrupt nature of the changes, criticizing them as "unilateral" and lacking transparency. Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reassured parents that all vaccines currently recommended by the CDC will remain covered by insurance without cost-sharing.
As a result of these changes, confusion and distrust may increase among American families, potentially leading to more children not being vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases. The US is already facing outbreaks of whooping-cough and measles, with its measles elimination status at risk of being lost this month.
I'm kinda worried about the new vaccine schedule changes... but I think it's awesome that we're having a conversation about this 
! It shows how passionate people are about their health and opinions differ. I mean, I know some folks might be like "OMG what if we take away protection from our kids?!" 
But others will be all about "Hey, let's simplify things and make sure the ones that really matter get vaccinated" 
! I think it's great that Dr Oz is sticking up for the importance of vaccines 
. And honestly, I'm kinda hopeful that we can have a more nuanced discussion about this stuff in the future... one where everyone gets to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment 
.
OMG u guys! 
CDC just slashed the number of childhood vaccines from 17 to 11? 
It's like, what even is going on?! 
, but this news has me super worried 
. I mean, who are these people making these decisions?! 
And the fact that there's no scientific basis for these changes is just crazy talk 
! The AMA is right, it's all about unilateral actions without considering the consequences 
. What's next?! 
#VaccineSafetyMatters #KidsFirst #CDCFail
and the fact that they're already seeing outbreaks of whooping-cough and measles is crazy 
CDC slashes childhood vaccines? 
Warning: too many germs! 
. It's true that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence might've played a role in this decision, but it's not entirely clear why they went in this direction 
.
. I mean, we can't just stick with the original 17 diseases recommended back in the day - times are changing and so should our approach to immunization 
. Ugh, I'm all confused now 
!
. I think it's weird that RFK Jr got to change the vaccine schedule without a lot of science behind it 
. Parents are going to be so confused 
We need to stick with what we know works 
. I've heard some of these vaccines are still going to be included, but the others? What about all those other diseases? It's not just about my kid anymore; it's about everyone's safety 
. I mean, 11 core vaccinations just seems like a lot to me... what if some of these diseases aren't as common or serious as we think? 
. And now that Kennedy is behind this, I'm losing trust in public health 
. Can't we just stick with what works? 
. On the other hand, I get why RFK Jr. wants to shake things up and give families more choices... 
. This isn't about "respecting families" or "rebuilding trust"... it's about saving lives 
I know some people are anti-vax but come on, it's not that hard to get educated 
I'm all for families making their own choices but can't we at least keep the safety of our kids in mind? 
. How can we be sure that this new schedule will actually keep our kids safe? 
#VaccineSafetyMatters #ChildhoodVaccines #PublicHealthConcerns