What's happened
The CDC now recommends only 11 vaccines for children, down from 18, citing high exemption rates and declining vaccination. The change, effective immediately, has raised concerns among health experts about potential increases in preventable diseases amid mixed responses from medical groups.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to reduce recommended childhood vaccines signals a significant policy shift driven by political influence rather than new scientific evidence. This move risks undermining herd immunity, especially as vaccination rates decline and exemptions rise. Major health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, oppose the change, warning it could lead to increased outbreaks of preventable diseases. The US now positions itself as a 'global outlier' in vaccination recommendations, which may impact international health standards. The divergence between federal guidance and state or local health policies could create confusion among parents and healthcare providers, potentially decreasing vaccine uptake further. The long-term consequence may be a resurgence of diseases previously under control, straining healthcare systems and risking vulnerable populations.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights concerns from health experts about the potential for increased disease outbreaks due to the policy change, emphasizing that the CDC's decision was politically motivated and not based on new scientific data. The Independent reports that many medical groups continue to recommend the full vaccine schedule, criticizing the move as confusing and potentially harmful. AP News notes that the change coincides with rising exemption rates and declining vaccination coverage, which have already led to outbreaks of preventable diseases. All sources agree that the policy shift is controversial, with health professionals warning of increased risks to public health and questioning the scientific basis for the reduction in recommended vaccines.
How we got here
The overhaul follows a request from President Trump and reflects a shift towards fewer mandated vaccines, aligning US recommendations more closely with some European countries. The decision comes amid rising exemption rates and declining vaccination coverage, which have contributed to outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.