US drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child

"The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance. Officials said the overhaul to the federal vaccine schedule won't result in any families losing access or insurance coverage for vaccines, but medical experts slammed the move, saying it could lead to reduced uptake of important vaccinations and increase disease."

"The change came after President Donald Trump in December asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising the U.S. schedule to align with their guidance."

The federal government reduced the number of vaccines it formally recommends for every child, leaving remaining vaccines such as seasonal influenza to be chosen by families without clear federal guidance. Officials stated the revision will not remove access to vaccines or eliminate insurance coverage. Medical experts warned that narrowing the recommended list could lower vaccination uptake and increase the risk of preventable disease. The adjustment followed a presidential request for the Department of Health and Human Services to review how peer nations handle vaccine recommendations and to consider aligning the U.S. schedule with their guidance. The change is described as unprecedented in the federal childhood immunization schedule.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com