Trump Directs Review of U.S. Childhood Vaccination Schedule
President Trump has ordered that the United States reevaluate its childhood vaccination schedule, aiming to align it with that of peer nations, if it turns out those countries have a more effective program. This initiative follows a review by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Friday, a memorandum was released where President Trump instructed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill to analyze vaccination practices in other developed countries.
Countries like Denmark, Japan, and Germany, which recommend fewer childhood vaccines than the U.S., were noted. As of January, the U.S. suggested vaccinations against 18 diseases for children under 18, including shots for coronavirus.
The memo underscored that the U.S. stands out significantly in the number of vaccinations recommended; for instance, Germany suggests 15 vaccines, Japan recommends 14, and Denmark only 10, which is nearly half of the U.S. total.
Moreover, the report pointed out that many current U.S. pediatric vaccine recommendations differ from those of other developed nations. It stated the need for further research to provide Americans with the best medical advice based on scientific evidence.
The president’s instructions emphasized cooperation with other developed nations if the U.S. vaccination schedule is found to be inferior.
“I hereby direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the CDC to consider best practices in developed countries for core childhood vaccination recommendations. If we find that the practices in those countries are superior to our current national recommendations, we will update the U.S. pediatric vaccine schedule accordingly,” the memo stated, ensuring continued access to vaccines for Americans.
Additionally, Trump expressed approval over a decision by a federal advisory panel to halt the recommendation of the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. He remarked that the majority of infants are not at risk for hepatitis B, which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and unsanitary needles.
The president mentioned that the U.S. childhood vaccination schedule demands 72 shots for healthy babies, significantly more than what any other country entails and more than necessary.
