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An comprehensive revision of American pediatric vaccination protocols has resulted in a decrease in the quantity of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11.

The freshly released list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes core shots for diseases like poliomyelitis and rubeola. However, others, including hepatitis A and B and Covid immunizations, are now categorized based on individual risk and subject to "joint clinical decision-making" involving doctors and guardians.

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

This far-reaching policy change constitutes the latest significant move implemented under the present administration by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Rationale and International Alignment

Kennedy asserted the revision followed "following an thorough review" and "safeguards children, honors parents, and restores confidence in the health system."

"We are aligning the American pediatric immunization schedule with international consensus while enhancing openness and informed consent," he added.

According to the statement, the new core recommendation for all children will include vaccines for:

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

3 Categories of Guidance

The new structure establishes three distinct tiers of vaccine advice:

1. Core Vaccines: The eleven shots mentioned above are recommended for all children.
2. Risk-Based Recommendations: This group contains shots for respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue fever, and meningitis strains (ACWY and B). These are recommended based on a patient's individual risk factors.
3. Optional Group: Immunizations for the coronavirus, the flu, and rotavirus are now subject to case-by-case discussion and choice between families and their doctors.

Currently, medical insurance will continue to cover immunizations that are still on the schedule until the end of 2025.

International Context and Prior Debate

The health agency conducted a review of current pediatric recommendations with those of 20 other industrialized nations. It found the United States was "a global outlier" in both the number of diseases covered and the amount of doses administered, the Department of Health and Human Services reported.

This recent announcement comes weeks after a different advisory committee modified the timing for the first hepatitis B shot. Formerly, a first dose was advised for infants within 24 hours of birth. Revised rules last winter moved that to 60 days after birth if the parent tested negative for hepatitis B.

That earlier change was roundly condemned by pediatric doctors, with the American Academy of Pediatrics calling it "a dangerous step that will harm kids."