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An extensive overhaul of US childhood immunisation guidelines has resulted in a decrease in the number of routinely advised vaccines from 17 to 11.

The newly issued schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes essential shots for illnesses like polio and measles. However, several others, including hepatitis A and B and coronavirus immunizations, are now categorized based on individual risk and dependent on "joint clinical deliberation" between doctors and guardians.

"The revised recommendation is dangerous and unnecessary," stated the AAP, labeling the policy.

This sweeping guideline change represents the most recent major move implemented under the present government by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Official Rationale and International Comparison

Kennedy claimed the revision came "after an thorough analysis" and "protects kids, respects parents, and rebuilds trust in the health system."

"We are bringing the U.S. childhood vaccine calendar with global standards while strengthening openness and informed consent," he added.

According to the announcement, the new universal recommendation for all minors will cover vaccines for:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcus infection
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

3 Tiers of Recommendations

The revised structure establishes three separate categories of vaccine advice:

1. Universal Vaccines: The eleven shots mentioned above are advised for every youngsters.
2. Conditional Recommendations: This group includes vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, and meningitis strains (ACWY and B). They are recommended based on a child's specific health circumstances.
3. Shared Decision-Making Group: Immunizations for Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus are now subject to case-by-case consultation and choice between families and their doctors.

Currently, health coverage will continue to cover vaccines that are still recommended until the close of 2025.

Global Perspective and Recent Controversy

The CDC performed a comparison of current pediatric recommendations with those of 20 other industrialized nations. It found the United States was "a global outlier" in both the number of diseases covered and the amount of shots required, the HHS said.

This recent change follows a short time after a separate advisory panel modified the schedule for the first liver infection vaccine. Formerly, a first dose was advised for infants within a day of delivery. Updated guidelines last winter moved that to two months post birth if the mother tested negative for the virus.

That earlier recommendation was widely condemned by pediatric doctors, with the American Academy of Pediatrics calling it "a dangerous move that will hurt children."