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

The newly issued list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention retains essential shots for illnesses like poliomyelitis and measles. However, several others, such as liver infection vaccines and coronavirus vaccines, are now categorized based on individual risk and subject to "joint clinical decision-making" involving physicians and guardians.

"This revised guideline is dangerous and needless," criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics, labeling the policy.

This far-reaching guideline change represents the latest major action implemented under the current administration by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Justification and International Alignment

Kennedy asserted the overhaul followed "after an exhaustive review" and "protects children, honors families, and rebuilds confidence in public health."

"We are aligning the U.S. pediatric immunization schedule with global standards while enhancing transparency and informed consent," he continued.

Per the announcement, the updated core schedule for all children will include vaccines for:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Poliovirus
• DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcus disease
• HPV
• Chickenpox

3 Categories of Guidance

The new structure creates three separate tiers of immunization advice:

1. Core Recommendations: The eleven immunizations mentioned above are advised for every children.
2. Risk-Based Vaccines: This category contains shots for respiratory syncytial virus, Hep A, Hep B, dengue, and meningococcal types (ACWY and B). These are suggested based on a child's specific risk factors.
3. Optional Vaccines: Immunizations for the coronavirus, influenza, and a stomach virus are now subject to case-by-case consultation and decision between families and their doctors.

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

Global Perspective and Recent Debate

The health agency performed a comparison of current childhood 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 number of shots required, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

This latest announcement follows weeks after a separate CDC committee adjusted the schedule for the first liver infection vaccine. Formerly, a first shot was recommended for infants within 24 hours of delivery. Updated rules last winter moved that to two months post birth if the parent tested non-reactive for the virus.

That earlier change was widely condemned by paediatricians, with the AAP calling it "a dangerous step that will harm children."