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An comprehensive overhaul of US childhood immunisation protocols has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of universally recommended immunizations from 17 to 11.

The newly issued list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes core shots for diseases like polio and measles. However, several others, such as liver infection vaccines and Covid vaccines, are now classified based on personal risk and subject to "joint clinical deliberation" involving physicians and parents.

"The new guideline is risky and needless," criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing the policy.

This far-reaching policy shift constitutes the most recent major action implemented under the present government by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Justification and Global Comparison

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

"We are aligning the U.S. pediatric immunization calendar with international consensus while enhancing transparency and parental choice," he continued.

Per the announcement, the updated core recommendation for all children will cover immunizations for:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Polio
• DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcus disease
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chickenpox

3 Categories of Recommendations

The revised framework establishes 3 distinct categories of immunization advice:

1. Core Vaccines: The 11 immunizations mentioned above are recommended for every youngsters.
2. Conditional Recommendations: This group contains vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, Hep B, dengue fever, and meningococcal types (ACWY and B). These are recommended based on a child's specific risk factors.
3. Shared Decision-Making Vaccines: Vaccinations for Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus are now subject to case-by-case consultation and decision by families and their doctors.

Currently, medical insurance will continue to pay for immunizations that are still recommended until the end of 2025.

International Context and Prior Controversy

The health agency performed a review of existing pediatric recommendations with those of twenty other industrialized countries. It determined the United States was "a global outlier" in both the number of illnesses targeted and the number of shots required, the HHS said.

This recent announcement comes weeks after a different advisory committee adjusted the schedule for the initial hepatitis B shot. Previously, a first shot was recommended for infants within 24 hours of delivery. Revised guidelines last December moved that to two months post birth if the parent tested non-reactive for hepatitis B.

That earlier change was roundly criticised by paediatricians, with the AAP calling it "a dangerous move that will harm kids."