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An extensive overhaul of US pediatric immunisation guidelines has led to a reduction in the number of routinely recommended immunizations from 17 to 11.

The freshly released schedule from the CDC retains essential shots for diseases like polio and rubeola. However, several others, including hepatitis A and B and Covid immunizations, are now categorized based on personal risk and subject to "shared medical decision-making" between physicians and parents.

"The new recommendation is dangerous and unnecessary," criticized the AAP, describing the change.

This sweeping guideline shift constitutes the latest significant action undertaken under the current administration by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Justification and International Comparison

Kennedy asserted the revision came "following an exhaustive review" and "protects children, honors families, and restores trust in public health."

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

Per the announcement, the new core recommendation for all minors will cover immunizations for:

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

3 Categories of Recommendations

The revised framework creates 3 distinct categories of immunization advice:

1. Core Recommendations: The 11 shots listed above are recommended for every youngsters.
2. Risk-Based Vaccines: This group includes shots for RSV, Hep A, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and meningitis strains (ACWY and B). These are recommended based on a patient's individual risk factors.
3. Shared Decision-Making Vaccines: Vaccinations for Covid-19, the flu, and rotavirus are now subject to case-by-case consultation and decision by families and their physicians.

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

Global Context and Recent Debate

The CDC conducted a comparison of existing pediatric schedules with those of twenty other developed nations. It found the United States was "an international exception" in both the quantity of illnesses covered and the amount of shots administered, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This recent change comes weeks after a separate advisory panel adjusted the schedule for the initial hepatitis B vaccine. Formerly, a first dose was advised for infants within 24 hours of delivery. Updated rules last winter shifted that to two months after birth if the parent tested non-reactive for hepatitis B.

That earlier recommendation was roundly criticised by pediatric doctors, with the American Academy of Pediatrics calling it "a dangerous move that will hurt kids."