When Doctors and CDC Don't See Eye to Eye on Vaccines

A shift is happening in pediatric care. Many doctors are choosing to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) vaccine schedule instead of the CDC's. This change comes after the CDC updated its guidelines this month. The AAP added a new RSV vaccine to its recommendations. The group is sticking to science, according to AAP President Dr. Andrew Racine. He said the AAP will keep providing recommendations that are best for children's health. Doctors are backing the AAP schedule. Dr. Claudia Hoyen, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, said the science hasn't changed. She will continue to follow the science. The AAP recommends routine vaccines for RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, flu, and meningococcal disease. Twelve major medical groups support the AAP schedule. These include the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The CDC's new guidance is different. It says only higher-risk children should get routine vaccines for meningococcal disease and hepatitis A and B. It also says flu, COVID, and rotavirus shots should be decided through talks between parents and doctors.U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the changes. He said the U. S. is aligning its childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus. He also said the changes protect children and respect families. Doctors disagree. They say there is no new research showing these vaccines are unsafe or unnecessary. Dr. Sean O'Leary, chair of the AAP's Committee on Infectious Diseases, said parents should trust their pediatrician and the AAP. Doctors say the mixed messages are causing fear and confusion. Dr. Nina Alfieri, Continuity Clinic director with Lurie Children’s Pediatrics, said families are asking more questions. She said doctors always welcome families' questions. An analysis found that vaccine guidelines in 28 states differ from the federal schedule. All states with Democratic governors said they would no longer follow the CDC guidelines. Only four Republican-led states have done the same. Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, said many younger doctors had never seen diseases like measles. He said going backwards is horrifying. He said it's about actual children and families. Dr. Andrew Racine emphasized that routine childhood immunizations are important. He said every step taken alongside a child is to help them grow up healthy.