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An extensive overhaul of US pediatric vaccination guidelines has resulted in a decrease in the number of universally advised immunizations from 17 to 11.

The newly issued schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retains essential vaccines for illnesses like poliomyelitis and measles. However, several others, such as hepatitis A and B and Covid vaccines, are now classified based on individual risk factors and dependent on "joint medical deliberation" between doctors and guardians.

"The revised recommendation is dangerous and needless," criticized the AAP, labeling the change.

This far-reaching guideline shift represents the latest major action undertaken under the current government by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Government Justification and International Alignment

Kennedy asserted the overhaul followed "after an exhaustive review" and "safeguards kids, honors families, and restores confidence in public health."

"We are bringing the U.S. pediatric immunization calendar with global standards while enhancing openness and parental choice," he continued.

Per the statement, the new universal schedule for every children will include immunizations for:

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

3 Categories of Recommendations

The new structure creates 3 distinct categories of immunization guidance:

1. Universal Vaccines: The eleven immunizations listed above are recommended for every youngsters.
2. Risk-Based Recommendations: This group contains shots for RSV, hepatitis A, Hep B, dengue, and meningitis strains (ACWY and B). These are suggested based on a child's individual risk factors.
3. Shared Decision-Making Group: Immunizations for Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus are now left to discretionary consultation and choice by families and their physicians.

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

International Context and Recent Controversy

The health agency performed a review of current childhood schedules with those of twenty other industrialized nations. It found the United States was "a global outlier" in both the number of diseases covered and the number of doses required, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This latest change follows a short time after a different CDC committee adjusted the schedule for the initial hepatitis B shot. Formerly, a first shot was recommended for newborns within a day of delivery. Revised guidelines last winter moved that to two months after birth if the mother tested negative for hepatitis B.

That earlier recommendation was widely condemned by pediatric doctors, with the American Academy of Pediatrics describing it "a dangerous step that will harm children."