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An extensive overhaul of US childhood vaccination protocols has resulted in a reduction in the number of universally advised immunizations from 17 to 11.

The newly issued list from the CDC includes core vaccines for diseases like poliomyelitis and rubeola. However, others, such as hepatitis A and B and coronavirus vaccines, are now classified based on personal risk and dependent on "shared clinical deliberation" between physicians and guardians.

"This revised recommendation is risky and needless," stated the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing the change.

This sweeping policy shift represents the most recent major action implemented under the present administration by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Rationale and Global Comparison

Kennedy claimed the overhaul came "following an exhaustive analysis" and "protects kids, respects parents, and rebuilds confidence in public health."

"This aligning the American pediatric immunization calendar with global consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent," he added.

According to the announcement, the new universal schedule for all children will include vaccines for:

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

3 Tiers of Recommendations

The revised structure creates three distinct tiers of immunization advice:

1. Core Vaccines: The 11 immunizations mentioned above are advised for every youngsters.
2. Risk-Based Recommendations: This category contains vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis A, Hep B, dengue fever, and meningitis strains (ACWY and B). They are recommended based on a child's individual health circumstances.
3. Shared Decision-Making Vaccines: Immunizations for Covid-19, the flu, and rotavirus are now left to discretionary discussion and choice between families and their doctors.

For the time being, health insurance will still pay for vaccines that are still recommended until the close of 2025.

International Context and Recent Controversy

The health agency performed a comparison of current pediatric recommendations with those of twenty other developed countries. It found the United States was "a global outlier" in both the number of illnesses targeted and the amount of doses required, the Department of Health and Human Services reported.

This recent announcement comes weeks after a separate advisory panel modified the schedule for the initial liver infection shot. Formerly, a first shot was advised for newborns within 24 hours of birth. Updated guidelines last December moved that to two months post birth if the parent tested non-reactive for hepatitis B.

That prior recommendation was widely condemned by pediatric doctors, with the AAP describing it "a dangerous move that will hurt children."