CDC Ditches Childhood Vaccine Recommendations Under Trump's Direction, Sparks Widespread Criticism from Medical Experts.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has significantly reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccines under a directive from President Donald Trump. The updated guidelines now suggest 11 vaccinations instead of the previous 17, which had been in place since 2017. This move to limit childhood vaccine recommendations has drawn intense criticism from prominent medical associations.
The CDC's decision was based on reviewing vaccination schedules used by other countries, such as Denmark, which includes only 10 shots on its childhood vaccine schedule. However, health officials acknowledged that they failed to provide sufficient scientific evidence to support the changes. The updated guidelines recommend continued administration of standard vaccines against diseases like measles, mumps, and flu, but drop several crucial vaccinations for high-risk groups.
Critics argue that this move undermines public trust in immunizations and poses a significant risk to children's health. "Changes of this magnitude require careful review, expert and public input, and clear scientific justification," said Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, a trustee for the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA has expressed deep concern over the dropped recommendations, urging federal health agencies to recommit to transparent, evidence-based processes.
Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also condemned the decision, calling it "dangerous and unnecessary." The AAP's president, Dr. Andrew Racine, stated that the CDC's decision upends a deliberate scientific process that has kept newborns, infants, and children protected from diseases for decades.
The updated guidelines will likely influence states' vaccine requirements for school attendance, as most states follow CDC recommendations when setting these requirements. However, experts warn that this move could lead to a decline in vaccination rates and increase the risk of preventable diseases among American children.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has significantly reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccines under a directive from President Donald Trump. The updated guidelines now suggest 11 vaccinations instead of the previous 17, which had been in place since 2017. This move to limit childhood vaccine recommendations has drawn intense criticism from prominent medical associations.
The CDC's decision was based on reviewing vaccination schedules used by other countries, such as Denmark, which includes only 10 shots on its childhood vaccine schedule. However, health officials acknowledged that they failed to provide sufficient scientific evidence to support the changes. The updated guidelines recommend continued administration of standard vaccines against diseases like measles, mumps, and flu, but drop several crucial vaccinations for high-risk groups.
Critics argue that this move undermines public trust in immunizations and poses a significant risk to children's health. "Changes of this magnitude require careful review, expert and public input, and clear scientific justification," said Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, a trustee for the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA has expressed deep concern over the dropped recommendations, urging federal health agencies to recommit to transparent, evidence-based processes.
Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also condemned the decision, calling it "dangerous and unnecessary." The AAP's president, Dr. Andrew Racine, stated that the CDC's decision upends a deliberate scientific process that has kept newborns, infants, and children protected from diseases for decades.
The updated guidelines will likely influence states' vaccine requirements for school attendance, as most states follow CDC recommendations when setting these requirements. However, experts warn that this move could lead to a decline in vaccination rates and increase the risk of preventable diseases among American children.