Health Systems Reject Trump Administration’s Cut to Childhood Vaccines
TL/DR –
The Trump administration cut the number of recommended pediatric vaccines, removing vaccines for diseases like rotavirus, influenza, and hepatitis A. However, major health systems and clinicians have stated that they plan to ignore these new federal guidelines and instead follow guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, mirroring previous U.S. policy. The changes have led to confusion and concern, and experts warn this could result in an erosion of trust, especially as pediatricians are critical in influencing parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children.
Trump Administration Reduces Recommended Pediatric Vaccines, Stirring Controversy
The Trump administration recently minimized the number of suggested pediatric vaccines, excising vaccines against rotavirus, influenza, and hepatitis A. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. states this move aims to regain public health trust. However, many major health systems and clinicians have voiced they will continue following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines, which align with the prior U.S. policy.
Government’s New Guidelines Ignored and Criticized
Medical professionals’ disregard for the new federal guidance reveals an escalating discord between federal health authorities and key medical groups. This could lead to a further fragmenting of U.S. vaccine policy, where recommended vaccines could vary based on location or choice of doctor.
Pediatrician and vaccine expert José Romero, who previously chaired the government’s vaccine advisory board, predicts that “confusion is going to be the main thing here.” Pediatric hospitals including Children’s National in Washington, D.C., Texas Children’s, Seattle Children’s, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have also declared they will stick to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance, a stance echoed by several other pediatric groups across the country.
Healthcare Providers Maintain Previous Vaccine Schedule
The Cleveland Clinic has likewise stated that its clinicians are “still offering all the vaccines and encouraging our patients and families to talk to their providers regarding any questions” despite the government’s new schedule. HHS press secretary Emily Hilliard claims that the new schedule “continues to protect children against serious diseases while aligning U.S. guidance with international norms,” although it has been noted that the revised U.S. schedule has made America an outlier.
States Could Hold Key to Future Vaccine Policy
As Kennedy encourages state leaders to adopt his Make America Healthy Again agenda, states, which have the power to regulate which vaccines are required for public school attendance, may have the largest policy impact. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for instance, has planned to abolish school vaccine requirements entirely. Democratically-led states have rebuffed Kennedy’s vaccine agenda, with some even establishing new regional health authorities and officially separating their policies from federal guidance. Romero warns that these changes to the vaccine schedule may have “major impacts on children in the future.”
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