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An extensive revision of US pediatric vaccination protocols has led to a decrease in the number of routinely advised vaccines from 17 to 11.

The newly issued schedule from the CDC includes essential vaccines for diseases like poliomyelitis and measles. However, others, such as liver infection vaccines and coronavirus immunizations, are now categorized based on individual risk and dependent on "shared medical deliberation" involving doctors and guardians.

"The new recommendation is risky and needless," criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing the policy.

This far-reaching guideline change constitutes the most recent significant move undertaken under the present government by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Justification and Global Alignment

Kennedy claimed the revision followed "after an thorough analysis" and "protects kids, respects parents, and restores confidence in the health system."

"This bringing the American pediatric immunization calendar with international standards while strengthening openness and informed consent," he continued.

According to the announcement, the updated universal schedule for all minors will include vaccines for:

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

Three Categories of Guidance

The revised structure establishes three distinct categories of immunization guidance:

1. Core Vaccines: The 11 shots mentioned above are advised for all youngsters.
2. Conditional Recommendations: This category includes shots for respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and meningococcal strains (ACWY and B). They are recommended based on a patient's specific risk factors.
3. Optional Vaccines: Immunizations for the coronavirus, the flu, and a stomach virus are now subject to discretionary consultation and choice by families and their doctors.

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

International Context and Recent Debate

The health agency conducted a review of existing pediatric recommendations with those of 20 other industrialized nations. It determined the United States was "an international exception" in both the quantity of diseases covered and the number of shots administered, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This latest change comes a short time after a different advisory panel modified the timing for the initial hepatitis B vaccine. Previously, a first shot was advised for newborns within 24 hours of birth. Revised guidelines last winter shifted that to two months after birth if the mother tested negative for the virus.

That prior recommendation was roundly condemned by paediatricians, with the American Academy of Pediatrics calling it "a dangerous step that will hurt kids."