Vaccines Under Fire: Why Changing the Schedule Could Harm Kids

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is thinking about changing the childhood vaccination schedule. This is a big deal. Why? Because vaccines protect kids from serious diseases. But some people are spreading false information and making it political. This is dangerous. More kids are getting sick with diseases that could have been prevented. For example, whooping cough is on the rise in Oregon. Some of these outbreaks have even led to the deaths of young children. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is now looking at the vaccine schedule. They recently dropped the recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine. This disease is almost gone in kids, but now more children might get it. President Trump ordered a review of all U. S. childhood vaccination recommendations. This could cause problems. If the vaccine schedule changes, it could weaken herd immunity. Herd immunity is when enough people are vaccinated to protect those who can't be. This keeps everyone safe. Some people think they are doing the right thing by questioning vaccines. But they are not. They are making it harder for kids to get the protection they need. This puts children's health at risk. It also threatens the safety of schools, playgrounds, and communities. Oregon's congressional delegation is pushing back against this politicization of vaccination policy. This is a good thing. Keeping the current vaccine schedule is important for the health of kids and the well-being of every community.