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An extensive overhaul of US childhood immunisation guidelines has led to a reduction in the quantity of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11.

The newly issued list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retains core shots for illnesses like poliomyelitis and rubeola. However, several others, including hepatitis A and B and coronavirus immunizations, are now categorized based on individual risk and subject to "joint medical decision-making" involving physicians and parents.

"The revised recommendation is dangerous and unnecessary," criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing the change.

This sweeping guideline shift represents the latest major move undertaken under the present administration by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Justification and International Alignment

Kennedy claimed the revision followed "following an thorough analysis" and "safeguards kids, honors parents, and restores confidence in the health system."

"We are aligning the U.S. pediatric vaccine calendar with global consensus while enhancing transparency and informed consent," he added.

According to the statement, the new core schedule for every minors will include vaccines for:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Poliovirus
• Pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria (DTaP/Tdap)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

3 Categories of Recommendations

The revised structure establishes three separate categories of vaccine guidance:

1. Universal Recommendations: The eleven shots listed above are recommended for every children.
2. Risk-Based Vaccines: This category contains vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningococcal types (ACWY and B). They are suggested based on a child's specific risk factors.
3. Optional Vaccines: Vaccinations for the coronavirus, the flu, and rotavirus are now left to case-by-case consultation and decision by families and their physicians.

Currently, medical insurance will continue to cover immunizations that are currently recommended until the end of 2025.

Global Context and Recent Debate

The CDC performed a review of existing childhood schedules with those of 20 other developed nations. It found the US was "a global outlier" in both the quantity of diseases covered and the number of doses required, the HHS reported.

This recent change comes weeks after a separate advisory panel modified the schedule for the initial hepatitis B vaccine. Formerly, a first dose was recommended for newborns within a day of delivery. Updated rules last winter shifted that to 60 days after birth if the mother tested non-reactive for hepatitis B.

That prior change was roundly criticised by pediatric doctors, with the AAP describing it "a dangerous move that will hurt children."