Vaccine Showdown: Doctors Stand Up to RFK Jr. with New Guidelines

Doctors in the U. S. are pushing back against recent changes to vaccine recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released its own list of vaccines for kids and teens. This list is different from the one made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AAP's list includes vaccines that the CDC no longer suggests, like the flu shot. The AAP's recommendations are backed by 12 other medical groups. They say their advice is based on science and what's best for kids' health. The AAP's president, Andrew Racine, said that vaccines are an important first step for a healthy life. Last month, the CDC removed several vaccines from its list. This was a big change from the previous list. The new list only includes vaccines for 11 diseases, down from 18. The CDC says this change makes the U. S. more like other countries. But many experts disagree. They say the change doesn't make sense and isn't based on good evidence.The AAP's list includes vaccines for all 18 diseases. It also suggests that kids get two doses of the HPV vaccine starting at age 9 to 12. The CDC now only suggests one dose at age 11 or 12. The AAP says more research is needed to see if one dose is enough. Doctors are not happy with the CDC's changes. Many state health departments are also pushing back. They say they won't follow the CDC's new guidelines. The AAP and other groups have even sued the government over these changes. The AAP says vaccines are safe and important. They teach the immune system to fight serious diseases. The AAP's chair of infectious diseases, Sean O'Leary, said that vaccines are carefully tested and monitored. The timing and combination of vaccines are based on what's best for kids' immune systems.