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An extensive overhaul of American childhood vaccination guidelines has resulted in a reduction in the number of routinely advised vaccines from 17 to 11.

The freshly released schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retains core shots for diseases like polio and rubeola. However, others, such as hepatitis A and B and Covid vaccines, are now categorized based on personal risk and subject to "joint medical decision-making" involving doctors and guardians.

"The revised guideline is risky and needless," stated the American Academy of Pediatrics, labeling the change.

This sweeping policy change constitutes the latest major action implemented under the present government by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Government Justification and Global Comparison

Kennedy claimed the overhaul came "following an exhaustive review" and "safeguards kids, respects parents, and restores confidence in public health."

"We are aligning the U.S. pediatric immunization schedule with international standards while enhancing transparency and informed consent," he continued.

Per the statement, the updated universal recommendation for every minors will include immunizations for:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria (DTaP/Tdap)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Three Tiers of Guidance

The revised framework establishes three separate categories of immunization guidance:

1. Universal Recommendations: The eleven shots listed above are advised for every children.
2. Risk-Based Vaccines: This category includes vaccines for RSV, Hep A, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and meningococcal strains (ACWY and B). These are recommended based on a child's specific health circumstances.
3. Shared Decision-Making Vaccines: Vaccinations for Covid-19, influenza, and a stomach virus are now subject to discretionary discussion and decision by families and their physicians.

For the time being, medical coverage will continue to cover immunizations that are still on the schedule until the end of 2025.

Global Perspective and Prior Debate

The CDC performed a review of current childhood schedules with those of 20 other developed nations. It determined the US was "an international exception" in both the number of illnesses covered and the amount of doses administered, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This recent announcement follows a short time following a different advisory panel modified the timing for the first hepatitis B shot. Previously, a first dose was advised for infants within 24 hours of birth. Revised guidelines last December shifted that to two months after birth if the mother tested non-reactive for the virus.

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