Health experts raise concerns over changes to U.S. childhood vaccine schedule

Health experts are raising concerns after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to change the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule.

(CNN)- Health experts are raising concerns after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to change the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule.

Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases at the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the changes were announced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this week.

“Today, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced plans to alter the U.S. childhood vaccination schedule,” O’Leary said.

The proposed changes would recommend fewer vaccines for most American children, a move that has prompted concern from public health experts who stress the importance of evidence-based decision-making.

“If changes to our schedule are needed — and over the years we’ve made lots of changes when evidence supported it — they should come from careful scientific review,” O’Leary said.

Under the updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, several long-standing recommendations remain in place. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as immunizations against polio, chickenpox, human papillomavirus, and other diseases.

However, officials are narrowing recommendations for some vaccines — including hepatitis A and hepatitis B — limiting routine use to children considered at higher risk for infection.

For influenza, COVID-19, and rotavirus, the department now recommends that vaccination decisions be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, rather than through broad universal guidance.

Some medical experts warn the changes could lead to an increase in preventable childhood infections if vaccination rates decline.

“Parents deserve clear, consistent, evidence-based guidance they can trust,” O’Leary said.

Health officials say they will continue to review the impact of the updated recommendations as pediatricians and families adjust to the changes.