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An comprehensive revision of US childhood vaccination guidelines has led to a decrease in the quantity of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11.

The newly issued schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retains core vaccines for diseases like polio and rubeola. However, others, including liver infection vaccines and Covid vaccines, are now categorized based on individual risk factors and dependent on "joint medical deliberation" between physicians and guardians.

"The new guideline is dangerous and needless," stated the American Academy of Pediatrics, labeling the policy.

This sweeping guideline shift represents the most recent significant move implemented under the current government by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Rationale and International Alignment

Kennedy asserted the revision came "following an thorough analysis" and "safeguards kids, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health."

"This aligning the American childhood vaccine calendar with international standards while strengthening transparency and informed consent," he added.

According to the announcement, the new universal recommendation for every minors will include immunizations for:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Polio
• DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal infection
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chickenpox

3 Tiers of Recommendations

The new structure creates three separate categories of immunization guidance:

1. Core Vaccines: The 11 shots listed above are recommended for every youngsters.
2. Risk-Based Recommendations: This category contains vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningococcal strains (ACWY and B). These are suggested based on a child's individual risk factors.
3. Shared Decision-Making Group: Vaccinations for Covid-19, influenza, and a stomach virus are now subject to discretionary consultation and choice between families and their physicians.

For the time being, medical coverage will still pay for vaccines that are currently on the schedule until the end of 2025.

International Context and Recent Debate

The CDC conducted a review of existing childhood schedules with those of twenty other industrialized countries. It determined the US was "a global outlier" in both the number of diseases targeted and the amount of shots administered, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This recent change comes weeks following a different advisory panel adjusted the schedule for the first liver infection vaccine. Previously, a first shot was recommended for newborns within 24 hours of delivery. Updated guidelines last winter moved that to 60 days post birth if the mother tested non-reactive for the virus.

That prior recommendation was roundly criticised by paediatricians, with the AAP calling it "a dangerous step that will hurt children."