Local public health experts are distressed by the unprecedented step taken Monday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency announced it has significantly reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for American kids.
Prior to the announcement, there were vaccines against 17 diseases on the CDC-recommended schedule; today, it has dropped to 11. According to a report by the Associated Press, most high-income countries recommend at least 15 vaccines between birth and age 18.
“We are deeply concerned about recent changes to the national immunization schedule, which removes some vaccines that were previously recommended for children,” Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSCK), posted on that agency’s social media on Monday. “These vaccines are critical protectors of our children and prevent serious disease.”
While continuing to recommend vaccination against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (usually given as one shot), Polio, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Diphtheria (often given together as DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Pneumococcal disease (PCV), Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Varicella (chickenpox), the CDC stopped recommending universal child vaccination against Influenza (flu), Rotavirus, Meningococcal disease, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The change is effective immediately and follows last month’s announcement that the CDC would no longer recommend the three-shot Hepatitis B vaccine.
Dr. Frank G. Bell, who specialized in pediatric infection disease at Providence Swedish said the CDC’s truncated vaccine recommendations roll child health “back 30 years and ignores the painstaking work that has been put in over this time to extend and preserve protection for children in the U.S. from infections which may have long-term health implications.
Public Health—Seattle & King County, along with public health departments and medical associations across the country, has spoken out against the Trump administration’s, and in particular Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s, months-long attack on long-used vaccines that have been backed by significant safety and efficacy research. They worry that the CDC announcement will cause parents confusion, resulting in families losing access to vaccines they want for their kids or the insurance companies deciding not to cover those shots.
Worse, medical experts say the CDC decision will increase preventable diseases.
“It is hard to think of an upside,” Bell said. “It is important to emphasize that of these changes, and there have been several in the last 12 months even preceding yesterday’s announcement, none have been accompanied by new evidence, or a serious science-based updated evaluation of risks and benefits for the childhood immunization program.”
“As a physician and as a parent, I encourage families to talk with trusted healthcare providers and follow guidance grounded in science and decades of evidence,” Valenciano said. “Protecting children’s health and preventing outbreaks remains our top priority.”
Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) echoed Valenciano’s dismay.
“Today’s announcement by federal health officials to arbitrarily stop recommending numerous routine childhood immunizations is dangerous and unnecessary,” Racine said. “The longstanding, evidence-based approach that has guided the U.S. immunization review and recommendation process remains the best way to keep children healthy and protect against health complications and hospitalizations.”
Washington state has launched a new West Coast Health Alliance, along with California and Oregon, as a counter to the Trump administration’s guidance on vaccines. It aligns with recommendations by the APP, which Racine said Academy stands by, including the following vaccines that have been much maligned by the health secretary:
- COVID-19 (starting at 6 months; expanded eligibility if risk factors are present or parents choose it)
- Influenza (seasonal flu) for all children 6 months and up
- RSV protection for infants and young toddlers (with age- and risk-based criteria)
- Hepatitis B for newborns as a routine vaccine
“During this uncertain time, the AAP will continue to publish our own childhood vaccine recommendations,” Racine said. “For decades, leading health experts, immunologists, and pediatricians have carefully reviewed new data and evidence as part of the immunization recommendation process, helping to keep newborns, infants, and children protected from diseases they could be exposed to in the United States as they develop and grow.
“Today’s decision, which was based on a brief review of other countries’ practices, upends this deliberate scientific process.”
Required childhood vaccinations for school are set by states, not the federal government,” Racine said.
Required childhood vaccinations for school are set by states, not the federal government.
Confused by all the changes? Be sure to discuss all available vaccines with your child’s health care provider.
Said Bell: “At present time, vaccines remain free to children under the age of 18 in Washington state and at the wider federal level, insurers and payers have agreed to continue to pay for vaccines – at least for those that have insurance, so Seattle parents need to use this time to discuss their children’s immunization requirements – from newborn infants to toddlers and teens, and everyone in between – with their pediatric providers to make sure that we keep children as protected as we can.
“Pediatricians, family medicine providers and nurse practitioners understand that this is a difficult, confusing time, particularly for young parents,” he added. “Parents should know that we welcome their questions and want to make sure that we are available to listen, advise and to work together to protect children from future illness, hospital admission and disability.”
Washington and the West Coast Alliance are aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunizations for birth to age 18. You can find that list on the AAP website.
To find the West Coast Health Alliance recommended childhood vaccine schedule, go to the alliance website.
