The CDC has recently changed recommendations for childhood vaccines. These recommendations reduced the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Instead, the CDC made three distinct categories:
1. Immunizations Recommended for All Children
2. Immunizations Recommended for Certain High-Risk Groups or Populations
3. Immunizations Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making
These changes were not based on any new data or evidence-based decision making by experts in the field. It promotes confusion to physicians and patients.
These changes were made, per the CDC, “in aligning the vaccine schedule with international consensus." Firstly, there is not an international consensus on these recommendations. Each country needs to evaluate the demographics, health risks, and the health system in their own country to determine which vaccines, and what type of schedule would be most beneficial for their population. The health risks, fragmented health system, lack of a strong public health infrastructure, and demographics of the United States do NOT align with other countries, particularly in Western Europe. Therefore, our childhood vaccine schedule should be individualized for the risk’s children in face in the US.
Secondly, shared clinical decision making has already been the standard of care for all childhood vaccines and should continue to be so. Differentiating this from “recommended for all children” sows confusion and vaccine hesitancy. All the previously recommended vaccines that have been shown to be incredibly safe and effective, some for several decades.
As family physicians, we promote healthy lifestyles and preventive care, as well as take care of our pediatric patients when are ill. As experts in the prevention and treatment of childhood illnesses as well as experts in the care of our patients, we, along with our Pediatrician colleagues, are the best source of individualized medical advice. MDAFP does not agree with the recent changes recommended by the CDC. We support the current AAFP and AAP guidelines for childhood vaccines. MDAFP will, as always, continue to support Maryland family physicians in the best care of their pediatric patients.
Sincerely,
Amar Duggirala, DO, MPH, FAAFP
MDAFP President
The HHS and CDC recently issued an updated Childhood Immunization Schedule, prompting important conversations about vaccine recommendations and public health policy. The MDAFP, alongside the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), continues to support vaccination schedules based on scientific evidence. We remain committed to providing Maryland families with accurate, reliable information about childhood immunizations.
The following vaccinations remain universally recommended for protecting children against serious diseases:
Note: Additional changes to vaccine timing and administration may be considered through future ACIP discussions.
The following vaccines have been downgraded for individual decision-making or are recommended for high-risk groups:
Risk-Based or Optional:
Already Risk-Based:
AAFP has released a statement reaffirming their strong support for vaccination and directing healthcare providers and families to comprehensive vaccine resources, including vaccination recommendations for adults and pregnant individuals.
We encourage physicians to access the AAFP's immunization schedules and guidelines:
The vaccination schedules are printable and serve as excellent resources for patients as well.
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