Right now, vaccination protects children in the United States against more than 15 different diseases, based on a schedule designed specifically for our population and health care system—one that differs significantly from the countries this administration has referenced. The Immunization Partnership strongly opposes the decision to weaken the childhood immunization schedule by shifting longstanding routine vaccine recommendations to “shared clinical decision-making,” a move that risks diminishing the leadership role the United States has long played in setting evidence-based public health standards.
Further, a 30-day review followed by an immediate policy change does not meet any reasonable definition of an “exhaustive review,” and dismissing a schedule that has saved countless lives as lacking “gold standard science” insults the generations of scientists and physicians who built it through rigorous, evidence-based processes. Rolling back clear recommendations will lead to more children becoming sick from preventable diseases and undermine public trust in public health rather than strengthen it.
For more information, contact: Darryl Ewing / dewing@immunizeusa.org