On January 5, the CDC announced sudden and significant changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. The changes reduce the number of diseases all children are routinely protected against from 17 to 11.
The changes were not made because of new scientific data, and the CDC did not follow the transparent and evidence-based process the United States has followed for decades when making such consequential vaccine decisions. The CDC sited the changes so that the US vaccine schedule could be better aligned with developed countries like Denmark. But here’s the issue, Denmark is a much smaller country – it is approximately the size of Massachusetts, they have universal healthcare, and they have a much longer parental leave policy. These all matter because it determines the disease risk for children and what they are exposed to. Just like here in the US, we do not get certain vaccines because our water and sanitation systems are better than other counties.
Because of the confusion and lack of science-based decisions coming from the CDC, healthcare providers are turning to trusted experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics, whose recommendations are grounded in decades of rigorous scientific evidence. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend the six vaccines that the CDC removed from the childhood vaccine schedule this past Monday.
Vaccines remain one of the most effective, powerful, and important tools to protect children, adults, and our entire community against serious and preventable diseases. healthy.
So, here’s what families need to know:
- Access has not changed. Super Shot will follow the vaccines recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians, and these vaccines will be available at our clinics regardless of insurance status. Following AAP’s guidance will protect children from serious and preventable diseases.
- There is no out-of-pocket cost. These vaccines recommended by the AAP are covered by private insurance, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
- The science hasn’t changed. The evidence continues to support the full childhood vaccine schedule.
At Super Shot, we urge families to follow the science, trust medical experts and make decisions rooted in evidence, not fear. We remain committed to providing clear, reliable guidance and protecting the health of our community’s children.
